Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, these restorations include a titanium rod that’s surgically inserted directly into your jawbone to function as sturdy standalone structures in your mouth.
However, before you can schedule your procedure, you must consult with your dentist to verify that you’re a good candidate. Continue reading to learn about 3 concerns that can interfere with getting dental implants so you can make an informed decision regarding the future of your smile!
Issue #1: Insufficient Jawbone Density
If you’re like countless other patients, you may be surprised to learn that your jaw starts to deteriorate after you lose adult teeth. This is because the roots stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down to keep your jaw active and healthy. Once a tooth falls out, it begins to thin and can eventually become too frail to support your teeth.
Thankfully, dental implants contain a metallic pole placed in your jaw to function like a root to prevent this process of degeneration. However, if you’ve already lost too much bone mass, you might require an additional bone graft to bulk up your jaw before your implant procedure is approved.
Issue #2: Gum Disease
One reason implants continue to gain popularity is that they’re typically incredibly reliable. They have about a 95% success rate even up to 10 years after their initial placement. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible, and the leading cause of failure is a form of gum disease called peri-implantitis.
If bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site, they can infect your gum and jawbone tissues and start breaking them down, destabilizing your restoration. That means your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of periodontal problems to ensure you’re clean and clear before moving forward with implants.
Issue #3: Other Medical Conditions
Health conditions that affect your body’s ability to recover after surgery or fight infection can impede your ability to get dental implants. Although your dentist is happy to help rebuild your grin, they don’t want to perform any procedure that could put your overall health at risk. Patients who suffer from certain conditions, like diabetes, may experience a lengthy recovery period because of slowed healing due to fluctuating blood glucose levels. Plus, they’re at an increased risk of gum disease, which can lead to a failed implant if it’s allowed to progress.
If you’re still unsure whether dental implants are the right solution for you, the best way to find out is to consult your dentist!
About the Practice
At Weiss Dental Arts, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists with 40+ years of combined experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They provide a full array of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including the dental implant procedure. Their welcoming environment is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while they deliver accurate, long-lasting treatment results. If you want to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (847) 864-0188.