Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality after tooth loss because of their unique placement. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these teeth are surgically embedded into your jaw and eventually fuse with your bone to become a permanent part of your mouth.
But that doesn’t mean this method is the best solution to meet everyone’s individual needs. You must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate before you can proceed. Continue reading to learn 3 things they’re looking for before approving your treatment!
Trait #1: Good General Health
These restorations are more resilient and tend to last longer than the alternatives because they include a titanium rod placed in your jawbone to function like a root. However, they’re also the only replacement teeth that involve oral surgery. As a result, your provider will need to update your medical history and list any current prescriptions or supplements you’re taking to ensure you’re well enough to undergo the procedure.
Unfortunately, certain medical conditions can potentially interfere with your body’s ability to recover afterward. For example, if you have diabetes, you’ll need to have your blood sugar under control before you can continue, because it increases the risk of developing an infection, which can destabilize your new tooth or keep it from healing. They might also postpone your procedure if you’ve recently had a stroke or heart attack to avoid putting additional stress on your system.
Trait #2: Commitment to Dental Hygiene
The leading cause of implant failure is a pervasive form of gum disease called peri-implantitis, which can erode the connective and bone tissues anchoring the titanium pole in place. That means commitment to a regular dental hygiene routine is another quality your dentist looks for in good candidates for this treatment.
Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues, including periodontal problems that can negatively impact your prosthetics. Be careful when flossing not to press too deeply into the pocket of the gums around your implant, though, because doing so can damage its seal.
Trait #3: Sufficient Jawbone Density
Many patients are surprised to learn that their jaw thins after teeth fall out because there are no roots to stimulate new bone growth to keep it active and healthy. This contributes to additional tooth loss, and can also prevent you from getting dental implants.
Therefore, your dentist must take scans and images to measure your jawbone density before providing your desired restoration. If they find that it’s too thin, don’t lose hope! In many cases, an additional bone graft procedure can bulk it up enough that you can receive implants once you’ve recovered.
If you’re considering dental implants but are uncertain whether they’re right for you, having an honest conversation with your dentist can help you make an informed decision to rebuild your grin!
About the Practice
At Glastonbury Dental Care, you benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo who are passionate about helping families in Glastonbury improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. Dr. Mimansha and her husband, Dr. Shobhit, share more than 20 years of combined experience providing a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages. They can help with everything from basic care to more complex treatments, including dental implants. They combine specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the process in the office, including oral surgery, to streamline your experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (860) 659-0278.