You’re tired of dealing with the inconveniences of missing teeth. You’ve heard about the many benefits of dental implants in Columbia, but you’re not quite sure if you qualify for this treatment. While dental implants have an incredible success rate of more then 95%, not everyone is eligible for them. Here are five issues that might not make you an ideal dental implant candidate.
1. Weak Jawbone
Dental implants are designed to replicate the roots of your missing teeth. To do this, they must be surgically inserted into your jawbone. However, it’s common for your jawbone to atrophy after teeth have been lost, as the roots no longer promote the growth of new bone mass. If this is the case, there simply won’t be enough room in your jaw to place the implants.
2. Gum Disease
Similarly, you must also have healthy gum tissue to receive dental implants. If you have gum disease, bacteria can infect and weaken the gums and bone that support your implants. This can ultimately lead to implant failure.
3. Smoking
Some studies indicate that smokers can have a dental implant failure rate of up to 20%. Not only does smoking increase your risk for gum disease, but it also restricts blood flow to your mouth, slowing down the rate of healing. This may prevent your implants from fusing to your jawbone. For this reason, most dentists recommend that you quit smoking before you undergo dental implant surgery.
4. Poor Dental Hygiene
Dental implants can only last a long time if you take proper care of them. If you’re unable or unwilling to brush, floss, and attend dental checkups and cleanings on a regular basis, this might not be the right treatment for you.
5. Certain Medical Conditions
Health conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disease can hinder your body’s healing process, rendering dental implants unable to permanently attach to your jawbone. In addition, certain medications, including some antidepressants and heartburn medications, can reduce bone growth. Be sure to share your medical history and all of your medications (over the counter and prescription) with your dentist when discussing dental implants.
Just because you have one or more of the above conditions doesn’t necessarily mean you can never get dental implants. You might simply have to undergo some preparatory procedures or take some extra precautions. For example, bone grafting can strengthen an insufficient jawbone. If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, talk to your dentist in Columbia about whether dental implants are the right solution for you.
About the Author
After earning his dental degree from the University of Buffalo in New York, Dr. Kyle Williams completed a two-year general practice residency at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, where he went through extensive training in oral surgery, including placing dental implants. He is thrilled to be able to rebuild the smiles of patients in Columbia, TN and the surrounding areas. To learn whether you’re a good dental implant candidate, you can contact Beck Dental Care at (931) 388-8452.