Dental implants are one of the best treatments for tooth loss at Advanced Dental Center. Dental implants are surgically placed within the jaw where they fuse with the body’s own tissues (a process called osseointegration) to provide a secure anchor for a full range of dental restorations.

One of the many benefits of dental implant treatment is their high rate of success. Unfortunately, although it is rare, dental implant failure does occur. Prior to treatment, Dr. Christine Hopkins offers our Plano, TX, patients tips on how to avoid the top causes of dental implant failure so that they can reap the full rewards of a successful dental implant treatment.

Be Honest About Your Medical History

Dental implants are a great treatment option for many patients, but there are some medical conditions and medications that could interfere with healing and osseointegration.

It is important that patients be honest about their medical history when they are discussing the possibility of dental implant treatment at our Plano dental practice. While some health conditions may exclude a person from being a good candidate for dental implant treatment, many others can be worked around. If patients are open about their health and medical history, they can minimize the risk of dental implant failure linked to general health problems.

Follow Post-surgical Care Instructions

Dr. Hopkins will provide each of our Plano patients with detailed post-surgical instructions. These instructions teach patients how to care for their teeth and gums after dental implant treatment so that they can avoid the most common causes of dental implant failure. Some of the key aspects of dental implant recovery include:

  • Taking prescribed medication as directed
  • Adhering to a soft-food diet in the days after treatment
  • Keeping incision sites clean
  • Avoiding strenuous activities for at least 48 hours after treatment

Keep Up Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Infection is a leading cause of dental implant failure. If periodontal disease or another infection develops, it is unlikely that the tissues will heal properly or that osseointegration will occur.

One of the best ways to avoid infection and maintain oral health is through good oral hygiene habits. Patients need to continue to brush and floss regularly, even in the days and weeks following dental implant treatment. Patients should not brush directly over incisions for at least the first few days of recovery, but surrounding teeth and gums can be cleaned as usual. In addition, warm salt water or an anti-bacterial rinse can be used to keep the treatment site clean.

Refrain from Smoking

Smoking is known to slow down the body’s healing process. It is also linked to an increased risk of periodontal disease and dry socket. Since any one of these complications could lead to dental implant failure, patients are advised to refrain from smoking in the weeks leading up to dental implant treatment, and for several weeks after treatment is complete, ideally until osseointegration has occurred.

Contact Us

Dental implants offer a strong, durable, and comfortable replacement for missing teeth. If you would like to learn more about this treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience. You can also call (972) 597-0471 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Hopkins to find out if you are an ideal dental implant candidate.