What is the success rate of dental implants?

If you’ve ever lost a tooth, you know that it can affect your appearance and ability to chew effectively. Dental implants, which have been used for half a century, are a safe and effective solution to replacing missing teeth. But what is the success rate of dental implants? In this post, we’ll explore why dental implants are the best tooth replacement option, what causes tooth loss and implant failure, and the factors that affect the success rate of dental implants.

However, as with any medical procedure, there can be complications. Choosing an experienced and trained implant specialist will help minimize complications and ensure that any problems are handled skillfully if they arise.

Why are dental implants the best tooth replacement option?

Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. They allow you to live your life how you want to – eat, smile, laugh, talk, and enjoy all your daily activities confidently without worrying about your teeth.

Not all dental restorations can achieve this. Dentists recommend dental implants more often to replace missing teeth because, in terms of function and features, the implanted tooth acts almost like a natural tooth. Studies have shown a dental implant success rate of over 95 percent for the implant restoration process.

Additionally, they are the only tooth replacement option that helps stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss. Placing dental implants as soon as possible after tooth loss helps prevent bone loss in the area.

What causes tooth loss and implant failure?

Before you book your initial consultation, there are a few things you may want to know before deciding on dental implants.

Since dental implants function just like natural teeth, you still need to take proper care of them, just like your own teeth. Properly cared-for dental implants can last for decades, although there are two main reasons for tooth loss and implant failure. They are:

• Bacteria
• Stress

Bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease (periodontitis) in teeth, and while dental implants are not prone to decay, they are prone to gum disease, also known as peri-implantitis.

In addition, stress can cause several problems with a person’s dental health. Putting abnormal forces on teeth or dental implants can lead to tooth wear, bone loss, or even dental implant fractures. It is important to visit your dental implant dentist periodically for follow-up checkups, just like you would with your regular teeth.

Factors Affecting Dental Implant Success Rates

Infection

Infected tissue can delay or even stop the healing process after dental implants are placed. This is one of the few reasons for implant failure. Well-trained implant dentists prescribe antimicrobial irrigation and antibiotics to reduce the risk of post-operative infection.

Quality of the supporting bone

The quality of the bone can affect the initial stability and the length of time it takes for the implant to integrate with the bone. It generally takes 6 months or more for the implant to integrate into the soft bone.

There is a risk of increased micro-movement in this type of bone, and this can prevent the implant from integrating and implant failure. Your dental surgeon will take extra precautions to adjust your denture or temporary teeth so that there is no micro-movement on your implant. Dietary restrictions may also be recommended to help prevent premature loading on your implant.

Smoking and Diabetes

Adequate blood supply to the supporting bone is essential for rapid healing of implants. Smoking can reduce blood supply to the gums and bone. This slows the healing process and can increase the risk of implant failure.

Uncontrolled diabetes leads to poor healing and increased susceptibility to infection, which can lead to implant failure. Your dental surgeon may recommend that you do not smoke before your implant(s) are placed, or if you have diabetes, that your A1C level is below a certain level before undergoing implant surgery.

Maintaining good oral hygiene

It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene when living with dental implants. Implanted teeth can be cleaned just like any other natural tooth.

The area under the implant restoration should be carefully cleaned to make sure there is no food or bacteria left behind. Food particles and bacteria can build up around the implant restoration, which can increase the risk of periodontal infection.

Just as bacteria can cause bone loss around teeth, bacteria can also cause bone loss around dental implants, a condition called peri-implantitis.

It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene around your teeth and implants and to follow a regular 3-6 month check-up and cleaning schedule with your dentist or dental hygienist.

If you are considering implant placement, schedule an initial consultation with an experienced implant dentist in Hamilton.

With a success rate of 95%, tooth replacement with implants is highly successful and predictable.

Replacing teeth with fixed bridges or partial/complete dentures is more successful and can result in more teeth being lost. All of the above factors greatly affect the success rate of implant restoration. The highly skilled and experienced dentists can advise patients on the necessary recommendations to consider before and after surgery.