Cause of Dental Implant Failure: Poor Oral Hygiene

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, there are numerous options for tooth replacement. Implant dentistry tends to be of the most ideal options. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support crowns, bridges, and dentures, providing cosmetic benefits as well as health advantages over removable appliances. During a dental implants consultation at our Corpus Christi, TX practice, Dr. Nicholas Perry Orchard can determine if they’re right for you.

After getting dental implants placed, patients must practice good oral hygiene to ensure optimal treatment results. Let’s go over the importance of good oral hygiene following dental implant placement.

Why Good Oral Hygiene Matters

Brushing and flossing is essential for controlling the bacteria in your mouth. This prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental health issues.

Even if you have lost all of your teeth and have dental implants placed, it’s important to keep your mouth clean. Clean gums and clean implant posts reduce the risk of periodontal health issues, and promote long-term success of implant dentistry treatment.

What Happens to Dental Implants If I Don’t Brush and Floss?

If you do not brush and floss after getting dental implants, there are several risks to consider.

• Gum Disease – Gum disease can lead to poor gum tissue health, which makes implant failure more likely.
• Peri-Implantitis – Peri-implantitis is a type of infection and inflammation that affects the gum tissue around dental implants. If not addressed, it can lead to implant failure.
• Further Tooth Loss – If you haven’t lost all of your teeth, poor oral hygiene could lead to tooth decay and further tooth loss, necessitating additional dental work. This can also negatively impact the implant or implants in place.
• Failed Osseointegration – Osseointegration is the process by which the dental implants fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue. Gum disease and other poor oral hygiene issues can increase the risk of osseointegration failure, which means addition corrective work or total failure of treatment.

Proper Oral Hygiene After Getting Dental Implants

Brushing and flossing is essential for good oral hygiene after dental implants have been placed. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and to floss at least once a day. Ideally, you want to brush and floss after every meal. To clean the implant posts themselves, a proxy brush or special thick floss for bridgework and dental implants are recommended.

It’s also important to clean your dental appliance regularly. Brush it clean with water and toothpaste to help remove food particles and bacteria. Denture cleaner and soaking the appliance is also helpful.

See Your Dentist Twice a Year

In addition to proper at-home care, it’s important that you see your dentist twice a year for regular checkups. This will allow you to receive the kind of personal attention that only a dentist can provide. We will be sure to check your implants to make sure they’re doing fine, and discuss any issues or concerns you have since the implants were placed.

Learn More About Dental Implants

For more information about dental implants and why they may be an ideal option for you, be sure to contact our skilled cosmetic and restorative dentists.