It might sound nerdy to say it, but dental implants are pretty cool. They replace missing teeth by mimicking them almost perfectly and make use of smart design to provide patients with more bite power and stability. It’s completely understandable to be interested in this breakthrough treatment.
That said, there are certain oral conditions that could restrict your ability to receive them. If this is your concern, don’t worry. In most cases, your dentist can provide solutions that will put you in a better position for sustaining successful implants. Keep reading to get the details!
Your Oral Habits
Smoking and drinking are common activities in American culture. While no amount of either of these pastimes is strictly beneficial, the real danger occurs when you indulge excessively and can’t control your cravings.
Smoking or drinking too often will slow your mouth’s ability to heal and increase your risk for infection, meaning your implants will likely fail. Be honest with your dentist when discussing these two habits and ask them to keep this in mind when they examine your teeth.
Existing Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by bacteria accumulation and has this nasty tendency to attack your gums. When untreated, gum disease will wear down your pink dental supports until there’s not enough of it to hold your teeth or implants.
Depending on how far along your infection is, your dentist might recommend a stronger oral hygiene routine or removing gum disease with a scaling and root planing. This situation is serious, but not necessarily the end of the world.
Insufficient Jawbone Mass
You might be wondering what that even means. As it turns out, your jawbone starts to deteriorate if it doesn’t receive stimulation. Typically, this stimulation is transferred from your tooth, through its dental root, and on down to your jawbone.
However, if you’ve gone some time without dental implant replacements, there is a chance you don’t have enough bone mass to keep your implants in place. Fortunately, this problem can be solved with bone grafting.
Your Dentist Will Know How to Help
At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental implant consultation with your dentist, even if you’re unsure about your candidacy. They’re the professionals, so they’ll be able to tell you for sure if dental implants are right for you. Even when they’re not advisable in that exact moment, your dentist can often recommend treatments that will prepare your mouth for future implants. Your new and improved smile could be just a phone call away!
About the Practice
Our team at Beck Dental Care of Columbia is compassionate and understanding. Not everyone has the same access to oral health care, and every patient’s dental situation is unique. We won’t judge your habits during your dental implant consultation. It’s far more important to assess your mouth and focus on ensuring your replacements will suit your needs! To contact our office, call 931-388-8452.