What Factors Affect Implant Success Rate? 

When done properly and using quality materials, dental implants are a sophisticated and durable dental restoration solution for patients who are determined to be good candidates for the procedure. 

In terms of quality, there can be huge differences between two dental implants although they are the product of the same technology and serve the same purpose. A poor quality one is beyond repair, so if it becomes broken, it needs to be taken out. 

On the other hand, a high-quality implant can last a lifetime, making it a permanent solution for a missing tooth or, in case of the All-on-4 concept, more than one. This makes All-on-4 implants or teeth in a day an in-demand procedure in Lake Elsinore. So what factors determine the success rate of a dental implant?

How long does a dental implant procedure take from start to finish?

It takes approximately 30 minutes to place a single dental implant, provided that the patient is in good health and has adequate bone supply. It is a relatively straightforward procedure, less invasive than dental extraction. Before a dental implant can be placed, one or several teeth may need to be extracted.

The procedure may take longer when the patient is not an ideal candidate and additional advanced techniques such as bone grafting or a sinus lift need to be employed. But even then, the procedure should not take longer than an hour and a half. 

The duration of an All on 4 implant procedure also depends on the oral surgeon’s expertise and efficiency. 

Why do some dental implants fail?

Dental implants could fail for many reasons: 

• Poor material quality is often the key reason for implant failure. This is often the case with cheap implants.
• Another reason why a dental implant may fail is because the patient is not diligent with their care and maintenance routine after implant surgery.
• An implant may fail because of slip-ups during the examination, preparation and treatment planning process. Namely, if the patient has high-quality healthy bone supply, this not only facilitates the process of implant placement but also improves the long-term prognosis.
• Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the implant, which can happen for various reasons, can lead to further complications, which can ultimately lead to implant failure. 

When is a patient not a good candidate for All on 4 dental implants?

Every patient needs to undergo an in-depth examination so the doctor can determine their candidacy for a dental implant procedure or all-on-4 surgery. If the patient has sufficient healthy bone volume left in the jawbone, they are considered a good candidate for the procedure.

The doctor will also attempt to eliminate, if possible, any obstacles to a proper healing process and lasting beneficial outcomes. During the examination, the doctor will factor in the patient’s generalized medical health, whether they have any underlying chronic conditions, or take immunomodulatory medication, such as in case of autoimmune diseases. 

A patient may not be a good candidate in the following cases: 

• When a chronic condition (diabetes) is not under control, this can have a detrimental effect on a person’s healing ability and the stability and longevity of their implants. 
• Some medications (bisphosphonates and some arthritis medications) may also negatively impact the healing of the bone around the implants, without which implants cannot last long.
• Finally, radiation which oncological patients may undergo can also compromise their chances of a favorable, predictable outcome after implant placement as the blood supply to the bone is severely limited which directly interferes with the healing process.

What is the most common cause of implant failure?

There are factors that can stimulate bone loss and lead to implant failure, especially if the area around the implants is neglected and begins to deteriorate rapidly. A patient may also experience inflammation of the soft and hard tissues surrounding the implant caused by retained dental cements, which is why screw-retained crowns are the preferred option for many dental professionals. Recurring inflammation may also lead to the loss of a dental implant.

For dental implants to be a permanent solution, the patient needs to invest time and effort and: 

• Maintain proper oral hygiene through regular care and maintenance
• Maintain a vigilant schedule of regular dental visits, and inform their oral surgeon/dentist if and when changes to their general health and/or medication regimen arise
• Take care of their overall general health and prevent medical conditions that can lead to bone deterioration take a toll

Quality teeth-in-a-day in Lake Elsinore and the Temecula area

If you think All-on-4 dental implants, commonly referred to teeth-in-a-day, could be a life-changing choice for you, you may be right. We would be delighted to help you learn more about the procedure and determine if you are a suitable candidate. We serve Lake Elsinore, Temecula and nearby communities. Do not hesitate to schedule your free consultation at your earliest convenience.