5 reasons dental implants fail (and how to avoid them)

At Westwood Dentistry, Drs Monica Anand and Anshuman Rawat stay on top of the latest research and advancements in dental technologies and techniques. Rest assured that, when Googling for an “implants dentist near me in Milton, Massachusetts,” our team in Westwood has the knowledge and expertise to support the safest, most successful treatment experience. With our understanding of evolving dental science and technologies, Drs Anand and Rawat can proactively identify and manage any risks that could stand between you and the way of your successful implant treatment. We help you to avoid or address these common reasons for implant failures, five of which are listed below. 

1 – Poor oral care

It is essential to maintain good brushing and flossing habits. There are at least two reasons why consistently good oral care is essential for healing and for the long-term survival of your implants. One, the materials used to make your implants can corrode when bacteria and plaque are not removed with your toothbrush or floss. The buildup of bacterial plaque lowers the pH in your mouth, creating an acidic environment ripe for corrosion. This process breaks down the implant’s protective outer layer. Two, bacterial overgrowth can also lead to inflammation around the implant, a destructive and progressive condition known as peri-implantitis. 

2 – Smoking 

There are several ways that smoking and nicotine use affect implant healing – and none of them are good! First, nicotine reduces blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which are critical for bone repair. The lack of healthy blood flow and nutrients can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of early failures. Second, smoking and tobacco products are associated with an increase in harmful bacteria in your mouth, which contributes to the development of inflammation around the implant. Third, nicotine suppresses bone-forming cells and stimulates bone-resorbing cells, an imbalance that can make it difficult for the implant to integrate with the bone properly. 

3 –  Nutritional deficiencies 

A healthy diet fuels implant healing. Deficiencies in the following vitamins and minerals can have a negative impact on the health of the bone around the implant, as well as on tissue repair and bone regeneration:

• Vitamin D 
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Zinc 
• Calcium

These essential nutrients are responsible for many vital functions, from supporting wound healing to fighting inflammation. So, what you eat and the supplements you take can either help or hinder the healing of implants in the jawbone.  

4 – Medical condition-related factors

It is always important for our team to understand your overall health, including any diseases that may seem unrelated to your mouth. Several systemic conditions have been implicated in delayed bone healing and implant failures. These include metabolic syndrome, diabetes, osteoporosis, and autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). By properly managing these conditions, you can take control over how your implant/bone heals. In part, keeping your blood sugar levels in check supports a balanced, healthy bacterial environment in the mouth. This environment promotes bone formation and protects against inflammation. 

5 –  Drug-related factors 

Several drugs used to manage systemic conditions can also affect the implant process. These medications include common Proton Pump Inhibitors, SSRIs, and anti-resorptives (bisphosphonates). PPIs can interfere with calcium absorption, while SSRIs and anti-resorptives are associated with an increased risk of implant failures and jawbone loss, respectively. From the very beginning of the process, we get to know you as a whole person – not just a set of teeth and gums. With this broad understanding, Drs Anand and Rawat can recommend the most appropriate treatment plans for you, taking into account all factors affecting your mouth and the treatments used to rebuild your smile. 

Take the first step. Call (781) 514-6443 to connect with our Milton, MA area team at Westwood Dentistry today.

Share this Article