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How Systemic Health can affect the Healing Process of Dental Implants

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Dental implants have become very common when it comes to replacing lost or removed teeth. The whole process is normally very successful but sometimes there can be some complications. Systemic factors are the most common causes of implant failure.

Some of the most common systemic factors that can cause the failure of an implant include:

Smoking and Tobacco Usage

We all know smoking is dangerous. After all, it is the leading cause of cancer in the world. It turns out smoking does not only affect your general health, but it also affects your appearance. Tobacco causes discoloration of teeth. It also causes problems for most cosmetic dentistry such as dental implants, bridges, and braces.

Gum Infection

If you are struggling with periodontal disease, it can really affect your healing process after having an implant. Your dentist will most probably give you some instructions to follow to ensure your healing goes on smoothly. But the risk of failure is high all the same.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is normally the mother of most dental problems. If you don’t take good care of your teeth, you invite tooth decay. Dental implants are not immune to decay so it will corrupt your implant and you will need to have it replaced in the long run.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ensure to floss them at least once daily. Regular dental checkups are also very important. You can visit Designers Smiles FL if you are looking for a dentist in Coral Springs for a checkup. We will be happy to help.

Symptoms of a Failing Dental Implant

You can never be sure if an implant is failing until you talk to an expert. However, there are some symptoms you can look out for. Some of them include:

Pain

Feeling pain after an implant is part of the process but some pain is not normal. If the pain is too much and cannot be contained even with painkillers, talk to your dentist for a professional assessment.

The Fixture of the Implant Moving

If you find that the implant is not in its original position, that’s a sign to worry about. One thing you can notice is the implant being submerged in the jawbone. If you see that, talk to your dentist ASAP.

Bleeding and Bone Loss

Some bleeding is acceptable after an implant but if it is in excess talk to your dentist. Bone loss is also a sign that an implant is failing. Some findings by a dentist with the help of an X-ray machine will confirm if the implant is failing or not.

Most of those short-term failures are treatable and won’t cost you a lot if detected early. They are fixed with bone graft. Your dentist will then give you some months to recover before trying another fixture.

Long-term Implant Complications

These problems can even occur after the implant is healed. They become integrated into your bone. One of the most common long-term complications is peri-implantitis. It is a very difficult problem to treat.

This infection is chronic and it affects both the gum and bone supporting your implant. It is more of the same as the periodontal disease. Its symptoms include bleeding or pus from your gums as well as a lot of discomforts.

The disease can be treated by improving your oral hygiene and getting regular cleanings from a dentist. Laser therapy has also been known to be effective. If the above doesn’t work, then you may have to go for surgery to restore your bone.

There are other long-term complications some of which include abutment loosening, fractured restorations, and broken screws. Fortunately, correcting these problems is much easier than correcting peri-implantitis

Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and maintain proper oral hygiene. This will protect your implants and they will last for a long time. Avoid smoking as well.

Designers Smiles FL

For the best dentist in Coral Springs, Designers Smiles FL is the place to be. We use the latest dental technologies that are effective, comfortable, and safe. We are family-friendly and we do provide personal treatment. You can count on our experience. We have been in the industry for more than three decades. Give us a call now and you won’t regret your decision!