What Can Cause Dental Implant Failure?

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Dental implants have a high rate of success, 95% or higher, according to studies. Complications can happen that lead to implant failure, though. Failure occurs when the implant does not integrate with the jawbone properly. Our restorative dentists in Foley, AL, believe the key to preventing this from happening is understanding the risk factors.

What Causes Dental Implant Failure?

Failures typically occur either early in the implant process or later after they are set in place. In the early stages, the failure is due to poor healing of the bone. Later on, it usually involves maintenance. To better understand why dental implants fail, we can break the risk factors down into categories.

Early Risk Factors

Dental implants are screw-like posts that our oral surgeon in Foley, AL, plants into the jawbone. Once in place, the bone will heal around the post during osseointegration.

Dental implants that fail early on do so because something interferes with the osseointegration of the post. It might be a bacterial infection or trauma to the face or jaw. In some cases, there isn’t enough healthy bone to stabilize the post. Failure to integrate can also happen without any apparent cause.

Late Risk Factors

Good oral hygiene is critical to maintaining dental implants. Without it, bacteria can build up and cause an infection that leads to bone loss.

Stress can be another factor. The force exerted on the post by an ill-fitting crown, or even by grinding or clinching teeth, can cause the post to become loose.

Other risk factors include:

  • Smoking – Smoking interferes with blood flow and increases the risk of infection.
  • Systemic diseases – Chronic illnesses such as diabetes can play a role in dental implant failure, as can osteoporosis.

If you are considering dental implants, make sure you have all the facts. Set up a consultation today with our restorative dentist in Foley, AL, to discuss whether you are a good candidate.

Same-Day Dentures vs. Implants: Which Is Right for You?

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When you lose a tooth or have multiple missing teeth, getting your smile back matters for more than just aesthetics. We’re happy to say that there are different options open to you for same-day or extended solutions.

Some patients choose a same-day denture for fast results, but others prefer dental implants for a more permanent solution. Here’s more on dentures and implants in Foley, Alabama, and how you can decide what’s right for you.

What To Know About Same-Day Dentures

Same-day dentures are made and cemented into place during a single visit. The great thing about them is that you have no downtime; you simply have one appointment where you get dentures and are in and out.

The most significant benefits of same-day dentures include:

  • Immediate results with no downtime
  • An affordable cost
  • No waiting period

Keep in mind that all dentures, even same-day dentures, may need adjustments as you get used to wearing them.

When Should You Consider Dental Implants?

Dental implants take longer to install and may require multiple visits to your dental office. That said, they offer a long-lasting solution.

With a dental implant, a titanium post is placed into the jaw to act as the tooth root, and a crown or bridge is attached to that post once healing is complete.

The benefits of having dental implants include:

  • Long-term durability — they’re considered to be permanent.
  • The natural look and feel of a real tooth
  • Improved support for the jaw, reducing the risk of bone loss in that region

Implants usually cost more and require more healing time, but many patients like them for durability.

Dentures and Implants in Foley, Alabama

Same-day dentures and implants in Foley, Alabama, could be a good solution if you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth. At Sand Dollar Dental, we can help you learn more about the options open to you.

How to Fix Your Smile Without Getting Dental Implants

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If you want to improve your smile but don’t want to or can’t afford to get dental implants, there are other options. Your dentist in Foley, AL, will go over them with you.

But until then, here are some options for you to consider.

How to Fix Your Smile Without Getting Dental Implants

Two of the best ways to fix your smile without getting dental implants are dental bonding and dental contouring.

Let’s go over them.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding in Foley, AL, is a cosmetic dental process that uses tooth-colored resin to fix damaged teeth.

You can use dental bonding to correct the following.

  • Chipped and cracked teeth
  • Low tooth height caused by grinding
  • Severe stains that don’t respond to whitening treatments
  • Change the shape of teeth (lengthening or smoothing)
  • Close gaps between teeth
  • Protect an exposed tooth root
  • And more

Dental Contouring

Dental contouring is a method used to reshape your teeth instead of adding resin to them. It’s used to remove imperfections. Dental contouring uses a special tool to smooth the surface of a tooth. Or, if you have a jagged tooth or one or more teeth that are too long, dental contouring can be used to fix those issues as well. The dental contouring procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with dental bonding.

Other Ways to Fix Your Smile Without Having to Get Dental Implants

In addition to dental bonding and contouring, you can explore tooth whitening or porcelain veneers to improve your smile. Ask your dentist what they recommend for your specific situation.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Foley, AL?

If you want to fix your smile, please Contact Sand Dollar Dental today. We would love to go over the different ways to improve your smile without getting dental implants (unless you decide you want them).

4 Excellent Benefits of Dental Implants

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When you’re missing a tooth, it’s important to get it replaced. Dental implants are one of the most effective artificial teeth options available. If you’re missing a tooth and considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, your dentist in Foley, AL can help. Knowing the benefits of dental implants can also help you decide if dental implants are the best option for your mouth. We’ve listed four excellent benefits of dental implants below.

1. Dental Implants Look Natural

Dental implants look like natural teeth. When you get a dental implant, it will be custom-made to fit in your mouth. It will look like your other teeth. It will also be colored like your other teeth, so it does not stand out. No one can tell you have a dental implant once it’s in place.

2. Dental Implants Are Easy to Maintain

Dental implants are easy to maintain, just like your regular teeth. You can take care of dental implants by brushing them twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste, and by seeing your dentist regularly for dental checkups.

3. Dental Implants Function Like Normal Teeth

Dental implants function just like normal teeth. They can chew and bite while you’re eating, and they can help you talk as well.

4. Dental Implants Help Maintain A Healthy Jaw

Teeth stimulate your jaw, helping the bone stay healthy. When a tooth is missing, your jaw can lose density and volume in that location. Installing a dental implant in place of a missing tooth is good for your jaw.

Want to know more about dental implants in Foley, AL? Call the dental professionals at Sand Dollar Dental today.