A dental implant can last for decades, but getting there involves more than simply replacing a missing tooth. One systematic review of contemporary dental implants found that 96.4% of implants last 10 years, meaning the vast majority remained in place a decade after treatment. That is an impressive track record, but it also raises an important question: Why do some implants fail?
The answer is rarely as simple as the implant itself. Your oral health, the condition of your gums and supporting bone, treatment planning, placement technique, the materials we use, and the care you receive afterward can all influence the outcome. At Angstadt Family Dental, we consider these factors when planning implant treatment because replacing a missing tooth should create a dependable, long-term result.
Why Do Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implant failure can happen at different points in treatment. Sometimes an implant does not properly integrate with the surrounding bone. In other cases, problems develop later because of inflammation, bone loss, infection, or issues affecting the restoration.
Some risk factors are within your control. Smoking has been associated with a higher risk of implant failure, while periodontal disease and poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk of complications affecting the tissues around an implant.
That doesn’t mean an implant is automatically off the table if you have one of these risk factors. It means we need to understand your individual situation before recommending treatment. We may need to address gum disease, evaluate your bone and oral health, or discuss lifestyle factors before moving forward. Our goal is to put you in the best possible position for successful treatment.
The Quality of the Implant Matters
Once we’ve determined that an implant is right for you, the components we use matter too. Implant systems vary in their materials and design, and those differences are worth considering when you’re comparing treatment options.
We emphasize high-quality implant materials and established implant partners. We look beyond the initial cost of treatment and consider the long-term value of the restoration. When you’re making an investment in replacing a missing tooth, the least expensive option isn’t necessarily the best value.
The implant is also only one part of the finished restoration. The abutment and crown need to work together to create a stable, functional result. That’s why we plan implant treatment as a complete restoration rather than treating implant placement as an isolated procedure.
Precision Starts With Planning
A successful implant begins before placement. We evaluate your teeth, gums, supporting bone, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether an implant is appropriate and how it should be positioned.
Technology can make that planning process more precise. We incorporate digital technology throughout our restorative and surgical care, including advanced digital scanning and 3D printing capabilities. See our Digital Dentistry services for more information on this cutting-edge tech.
The benefit isn’t technology for technology’s sake. Digital tools give us detailed information when planning treatment and designing restorations. Combined with our experience and training, that information helps us develop an approach based on your specific anatomy and treatment goals.
The Person Placing the Implant Matters
Even high-quality materials and advanced technology cannot replace clinical judgment. Implant placement requires precision, and we need to understand how the surgical portion of treatment will affect the final restoration. We consider the position of the implant, the surrounding teeth and tissues, and the needs of the final restoration when developing your treatment plan.
Our practice provides both surgical and restorative treatment. Our surgical dentistry includes dental implants, while we also provide the restorative care needed to complete treatment. Keeping these services within our practice allows us to coordinate your care from planning through restoration.
You Don't Always Need to Leave Our Practice
Implant treatment can involve multiple stages, which can make patients assume they’ll need to visit several specialists. We’ve built our practice around comprehensive care, with more than 90% of our patients able to receive the care they need within our practice. That means we can often manage different parts of your treatment without sending you from one office to another.
Our services include implants, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, gum treatment, crowns and bridges, and other procedures that may be part of your overall care. For an implant patient, having these capabilities under one roof can make communication and treatment coordination simpler. More importantly, it allows us to keep the focus on your complete oral health rather than treating your implant as a standalone procedure.
Implants Can Replace More Than One Missing Tooth
Our dental implant services aren’t limited to replacing a single missing tooth. We can also use implants to support restorations when several teeth are missing or provide additional stability for patients who have struggled with traditional dentures.
For some patients, implant-supported dentures can provide a more secure alternative to conventional removable dentures. Multiple implants can also support a fixed restoration when appropriate. The right approach depends on your individual circumstances. We’ll evaluate your situation and explain which options may make sense for you.
Long-Term Success Requires Long-Term Care
Getting through the surgical procedure isn’t the end of implant treatment. The tissues surrounding an implant need ongoing attention, and you’ll still need regular dental examinations and good daily oral hygiene. Consistent care gives us the opportunity to monitor your implant and address potential concerns before they become larger problems.
We’ll monitor your implant, surrounding gums, and supporting structures during your regular visits. We also offer a warranty on our implant work, including full coverage during the first year and additional coverage extending beyond that period. Our goal is to remain your dental care partner long after the implant procedure is complete.
A Long-Term Solution Starts With the Right Plan
Replacing a missing tooth is a significant decision, and you deserve to understand your options before moving forward. We’ll take the time to evaluate your oral health, explain what implant treatment would involve, and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision about your care. If an implant is appropriate, we’ll develop a treatment plan around your needs, goals, and long-term oral health.
Our office combines advanced technology, quality materials, surgical expertise, and restorative care to provide comprehensive implant treatment in one practice. We also continue caring for you after treatment to help protect your investment and your overall oral health.
If you’re ready to explore your options for replacing a missing tooth, contact Angstadt Family Dental to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand what to expect and determine whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
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