Why Did Jenny McCarthy’s Implant “Fail?”

TV personality Jenny McCarthy recently appeared  in the online headlines as she discussed an unfortunate oral infection that apparently impacted the stability of her dental implants.

Can dental implants fail? Yes, but rarely.

Ms. McCarthy’s challenging health experience notwithstanding, we can confidently report that of the thousands of dental implants placed, less than 5% may experience some post-surgery challenges.

What’s known as dental implant “failure,” when the implant doesn’t properly integrate with your jawbone, is, thankfully, a very rare occurrence.  In our experience, problems with dental implants can usually be attributed to factors such as smoking, untreated gum disease, medical conditions, excessive force and medications that hinder the healing process.

We feel so strongly about the dental implants we place at our practice that, if you follow our instructions, we’ll guarantee your dental implants will not fail.

Issues That Can Affect Implant Healing

Some of the issues mentioned above, if not promptly addressed, can negatively affect osseointegration, the natural process where the implant post (root) fuses with the jawbone to create a stable root-like support required by your new, replacement tooth or teeth. A bacterial dental implant infection, called peri-implantitis can affect the bone and gum tissue around the implant and lead to bone loss and implant instability. At South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we can often save a failing implant and restore healthy gum and bone support utilizing various surgical and non-surgical approaches to peri-implantitis.

Smoking is Always Bad

Even though smoking is not an absolute contraindication when it comes to dental implants, smoking and tobacco use, especially during the first few months after dental implant surgery, are known to significantly increase your risk of failure. Some studies show that smokers will face double the risk of implant failure as compared to non-smokers. Nicotine reduces blood flow which hinders the osseointegration healing process.

Health Conditions Need Addressing

Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer treatments, osteoporosis, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are some underlying health issues that need to be addressed for implant success. Maintaining a good a-home oral health routine and ensuring regular visits to your dental specialists, along with keeping a healthy diet and quitting smoking, will all help you keep your implant secure for a lifetime.

Many Specialists Here at SFCPID

Our practice offers you the services of six highly qualified dental implant surgeons to help you determine if you might be a high-risk candidate and, at the same time, determine how we can best approach your unique health situation. No matter the obstacles, we can usually work closely to develop a full-proof plan customized to your needs.

Dr. Ganeles, in fact, was recently the closing speaker at the prestigious New York Academy of Prosthodontists conference. He addressed the subject of implant complications. His expert participation here is another example of how our practice is uniquely qualified to resolve difficult issues. We’re frequently called upon by other dental professionals to solve complex cases. Our doctors speak internationally and have published peer-reviewed clinical research for decades. We have the know-how, technology and track record to make your life-changing procedure a success.

Contact Our Office Today

Contact us today at 561-912-9993 to schedule a consultation regarding dental implant surgery or to ask questions and seek help for existing implants, even if they’ve been placed elsewhere. Come see why patients from all over the country rely on our practice to enhance the appearance and health of their smiles with dental implants.