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What percentage of dental implants fail?

A dental implant is a prosthetic or synthetic appliance that acts as a replacement for a natural tooth. It entails a metal post attached to the jawbone to support an artificial crown. Indeed, dental implants are a marvel of modern dentistry as they have helped millions of people smile, speak, and eat better. The success rates of dental implants are incredibly high, but like everything else in this world, they are not devoid of failures. Studies reveal that the failure rate of dental implants is about 5 to 10 percent either shortly after the procedure or after a year or so. Now that we have talked about the failure percentage of dental implants let us look at some of the factors that impact that failure.

Factors that Impact Dental Implant Success

  • Periodontal Diseases: Healthy gums are an indispensable criterion when it comes to a successful dental implant procedure. As such, gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can fail dental implants.
  • Smoking and Drinking: Research shows that smoking can cause the failure of dental implants as the habit restricts the flow of blood to the gums, thereby slowing the healing process. The proportion of dental implant failure shoots up to 20 percent among chain smokers. The success rates of dental implants increase when people quit smoking for at least two months after the procedure.
  • Insufficient Jaw Bone: One of the most common causes of dental implant failure is the inadequate jawbone. Without enough healthy bones, the surgeon cannot fix the implant in the mouth.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Needless to say, dental implants require as much care as natural teeth. The absence of a proper oral hygiene regimen can cause dental implants to fail.

In conclusion, the failure of dental implants is a rare phenomenon. But, you can avoid it through proper treatment and care. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!