What Factors Contribute to Long Term Success of Dental Implants?

woman smiling with healthy teeth

Modern-day dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. They are a strong and effective option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants can last and last, but only if certain conditions are met. Learn the factors that contribute to the long term success of your dental implants. Contact us to explore your options for tooth replacement and restoration with some of the top oral surgeons in Austin, TX.

A Strong Foundation

Lasting dental implants begin with a solid foundation. The implant is comprised of a titanium or metal-free screw, an abutment, and a crown. The screw is implanted into the jawbone during a specialized surgical procedure. In time, the bone will heal around the implant screw, fusing it into the jawbone. This is only possible when there is plenty of high quality, dense bone available. Many patients that have missing teeth, especially if they’ve been missing for many years, are lacking the required bone.

If a dental implant is placed with insufficient or weak bone, it may crack or break the bone or fail to properly integrate. Pre-surgical preparations are needed to ready the jawbone for implant surgery. Bone grafting can increase the quality and quantity of available bone. We perform bone grafting using both donor and patient-harvested tissues. Pre-treatment, using techniques like bone grafting, helps to create a solid foundation for long term dental implant success.

Sufficient Gum Coverage

The gums are a protective layer that cover the roots of natural teeth and the base of dental implants. When the gums are weak, thin, or unhealthy, problems can develop with dental implants. Gum grafting rebuilds the gum tissue, ensuring that the implants are properly covered and protected. This also improves the aesthetic appearance of dental implants.

Not all patients will require gum grafting, but for those with weak or damaged gums, this procedure can dramatically enhance the final aesthetic results, and improve the longevity of the dental implants.

Implant Positioning

Precise placement of dental implants is important, both for the appearance and function of the teeth. Our oral surgeons use both freehand and guided dental implant placement. Guided placement can improve outcomes for some patients, especially those with complex placement needs. Prior to surgery, precise guides are created, using imaging and other tools, that show the exact placement and required depth for each dental implant.

We often use guided dental implant placement for patients requiring:

  • Multiple sequential implants
  • Lowered bone volume or density
  • Specific positioning needs
  • Prior dental trauma
  • Tight tooth positioning
  • Bone grafting
  • Same day implant extraction and placement

Skillful placement of the dental implant, using either a guide or freehand techniques, is essential for a long-lasting result. A trained and experienced oral surgeon with extensive experience in dental implants is critical.

Long Term Care

The implantation process is only the beginning. After the implants are placed, proper care is essential for helping them to last. We’ll provide detailed post-surgical care instructions and your dentist can help you to maintain your dental implants after you’ve healed from surgery.

Follow these care instructions, along with any others you receive from your dentist or oral surgeon, to help your implants last:

  • Don’t smoke- Smoking can cause dental implant failure. Avoid smoking and other nicotine products, even after healing is complete.
  • Daily dental care- Dental implants are cared for much like natural teeth. Brush, floss, and care for your teeth as instructed by your dentist and oral surgeon.
  • Visit your dentist- Regular dental care is important, with or without dental implants. Come to all follow-up visits after your implantation surgery and visit your dentist as recommended.

Avoiding common risk factors for dental implant failure will dramatically increase your chances of long-lasting dental implants.

One of the most important ways to ensure implant success is to choose an experienced dental provider for your implant surgery. Hill Country Oral Surgery has performed countless dental implant procedures and has a high success rate due to our extensive training, careful planning, and comprehensive patient education. Our oral surgeons will help you avoid common pitfalls to give your dental implants the best possible chances of success.

For tooth replacement in Austin, TX, call Hill Country Oral Surgery at 512-327-7233 and schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons, Dr. Vincent Cavaretta or Dr. Tyler Rasmussen.