Poor Oral Health and Dental Implant Failure

For people who are missing one or more of their natural teeth, dental implants represent the rarest of all things: a true second chance. In this case, patients are afforded a second chance at optimal oral health, restored function, and a smile that is once again whole and complete. While there is no replacement for a mouth full of healthy, natural teeth, implant-supported restorations offer a solution that comes remarkably close.

However, this second chance comes with a condition. Patients must not repeat the mistakes that led to the loss of their natural teeth in the first place. If they do, they risk dental implant failure and the loss of their replacement teeth. Indeed, in order to be considered good candidates for implant dentistry at the oral surgery practice of Dr. Andrew R. Glenn, patients must be able and willing to commit themselves to maintaining excellent dental hygiene regimens after having their implants placed. Dr. Glenn discusses the issue of poor oral health and dental implant failure during consultations at his Lincoln, NE practice, making sure that patients understand the consequences of allowing the health of their teeth and gums to lapse after dental implant surgery before they commit to undergoing the procedure.

Are you ready for your second chance at optimal oral health? If so, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Glenn today.

How Poor Oral Health Can Lead to Dental Implant Failure

Although tooth loss is most commonly the result of poor oral health, the loss of a tooth only compounds the problem, leading to much worse oral health issues. As soon as a tooth is lost, the tissues that once supported that tooth - specifically the gum and jawbone tissues - begin to fall into disuse and degrade. Because the human body cannot distinguish between a titanium dental implant and a natural tooth root, implants are the only dental restorations that actually halt this tissue degradation and lead to restored oral health.

However, for a dental implant to thrive within the mouth, patients must continue to keep the tissues that support the implant healthy. Just as advanced gum disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss among adults, it is also the number-one cause of dental implant failure. If patients with dental implants leave gum disease untreated, erosion of the gums and jawbone can occur, resulting in the dental implant eventually becoming loose or even dislodged altogether.

Fortunately, implant-supported restorations do not require special cleaning or care. If you simply brush and floss properly at least twice a day and after every meal, limit your intake of acidic foods and liquids, and visit our practice at least twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings, you can keep your mouth clean and healthy. Your dental implants should last for decades and potentially for the rest of your life.

Learn More about Poor Oral Health and Dental Implant Failure

To learn more about poor oral health and dental implant failure, please contact the oral surgery center of Dr. Andrew R. Glenn today.

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