Dental implants have a high success rate, estimated to be upwards of 95%. However, some conditions cause these meant-to-be-permanent tooth replacement systems to fail for New York City patients. While it’s unlikely your dental implants will fail, you should still be aware of the most common cause of implant failure and, if you have any of the conditions or symptoms of implant failure, be sure to let Dr. Kissel know right away.
1. You’re a Smoker
Smoking cigarettes is never good for your health, and this bad habit can also affect your oral health and dental implants success. Because smoking constricts blood flow, it could constrict the blood vessels in your mouth and prevent your dental implants from fusing with your jawbone. Smoking doesn’t preclude you from getting implants, though. If you’re a smoker and you need implants, be honest with Dr. Kissel when you visit his New York City area office. Together, the two of you can work out a plan to significantly cut back on your cigarette usage – or event kick the habit once and for all.
2. You Don’t Take Proper Care of Your Implants
Some New York City residents may think that since dental implants are prosthetics, they don’t need to be cared for as diligently as natural teeth. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Your gums around your implants need to be brushed and flossed the same way they would be if you had your original teeth in them. If you don’t, you put yourself at risk for developing an infection underneath your dental implants called peri-implantitis.
3. You Don’t Have Enough Jawbone Tissue
The reason dental implants work and are a permanent solution is that they fuse with your jawbone tissue. But, if you happen to be a New York City patient who has low jawbone tissue height, or if you’ve had jawbone tissue recession because you’ve been missing your natural teeth for so long, it’s possible that you’ll experience implant failure. For this reason, Dr. Kissel first evaluates his patients to see if they need a jawbone graft before getting implants. If he tells you that you need a jawbone graft, its crucial that you have this oral surgery. The success of your dental implants may depend on it.
4. You Have a History of Gum Disease
If you have a history of gum disease – gums that swell and bleed, and perhaps have even required a rooting and deep planing before, you may have complications with your dental implants. This is because peri-implantitis can also occur as a result of gum disease, putting your implants at risk for failure.
5. You Have Certain Medical Conditions Known to Complicate Dental Implants
Unfortunately, some medical conditions make it harder for dental implants to fuse with your jawbone tissue. These illnesses include osteoarthritis, diabetes, and a compromised immune system. But, just because you may be suffering from one of these ailments, doesn’t mean you aren’t a candidate for implants. By informing Dr. Kissel about your medical condition and following your healthcare provider’s instructions, you can remain healthy and prevent it from affecting your dental implants success.
Learning More About Dental Implants
If you’re ready to permanently replace a missing tooth or teeth, then call Dr. Kissel’s New York City area offices at (212) 702-9088 today to schedule a consultation.
