Can the Body Reject Dental Implants?

Dental Implants cannot be rejected by the body because they are manufactured with bio-compatible materials like titanium. 

 However, implants can fail, 1) if the bone quality is poor, 2) the bone is over heated while preparing the site for the implant, 3) implant is under excess function, 4)infection present in the bone next to the implant, 5) poor oral hygiene as a implant is more susceptible  to gum disease than a natural tooth.

An implant could fail after it is placed if the patient's home care is not ideal and if the implant is working with unfavorable forces working against it. Implants respond well to forces in the center of the implant. 

Implant failure can also be attributed to poor patient health as well as smoking.

Appropriate case selection and treatment planning are critical to implant success
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“Making use of all the available diagnostic tools like CT scan, panorex, intra oral images, and diagnostic study models are invaluable”, says Dr Cherukuri, from her Chino,California practice.

Good post operative instructions will prepare the patient in making their contribution toward treatment success.
Visit www.chinosmiles.com for more information.

Implants and Diabetes

Implants are replacement tooth roots which provide a strong foundation for fixed and or removable replacement of teeth.

In general dental implants have a success rate of 98% and with proper care they can last a lifetime.

Anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders -- such as diabetes or heart disease or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.

Diabetes affects about 15.7 million Americans and nearly 800,000 cases are diagnosed every year.  Diabetes can lower the body’s resistance to infection and can slow the healing process. As a result, periodontal diseases often appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes.

Prior to dental implant placement, your dentist may request a test of blood sugar to see whether diabetes is under control and may prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. A modification in diet and medication may also be considered to improve healing. Good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care at home and regular dental check- ups significantly improve the chances of implant success.

Additionally, modifications in surgical technique can also enhance and ensure implant success says Dr. Cherukuri, from her Chino, California practice.

Check with your dentist if you are a candidate for implants!

Dental Implants for Smokers

         For years, dental implants were not an option for those who smoked.

 “Concerns about periodontal health caused dentists to recommend other treatment instead,” says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri, from her Chino, California Cosmetic Dental Practice. “Infection is always a concern when a dental implant is placed and those who smoke have been shown to have a greater risk of this.” Current smokers are at risk of developing periodontal disease four times more than non-smokers.

Smoking and other tobacco products affect the attachment of tissues to teeth.  More specifically, it appears that smoking impairs blood flow and interferes with the normal function of tissue cells.  This interference makes smokers more susceptible to infection and adversely affects wound and bone healing.

But newer techniques have shown that smokers can also benefit from dental implant treatment. “New research suggests that an implant submerged so there is no exposure during the healing time can greatly reduce the risk of infection and the ultimate success of the implant,” Dr. Cherukuri adds.

 “We are finding more and more how dental implants can help restore function to those missing teeth from a variety of causes. To learn more about how implants are placed, restored and maintained, please visit our website at: www.chinosmiles.com

Why did my Implant fail?

Dental Implants provide a wonderful way to replace missing teeth, but there can be implant failure. Failure is said to occur when the implant is lost, mobile or when there is significant bone loss surrounding the implant.

“Implants generally fail due to one of three reasons,” says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri from her  Chino, California Dental Practice. “1. Poor case planning,  2. Pre-loading, or 3. Retained cement around the final restoration.”

Your dentist should evaluate carefully the proposed area where the dental implant is to be placed. Usually a surgical guide will be created, thereby making sure the implant is placed in an area that ensures the proper angulation for long-term success. Certain medical conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis, risk factors  like smoking and medications including bisphosphonates do need to be factored in to assess their role in the implant placement.

Pre-loading refers to placing the final restoration - crown, bridge, or denture - prior to proper implant integration with the bone. Generally your dentist will give you a window of time in which to allow for your implant to integrate to the bone. For some, the time may need to be extended beyond the average 4- 6 months to provide for proper bone integration. 

Finally, excess cement not removed after the placement of the final restoration can also cause failure.

“While failure is disappointing, remember, the vast majority of dental implants are successfully placed and restored,” Dr. Cherukuri says. “Dental implants provide another way to keep you smiling.”