Dental implants are considered the best way to replace missing teeth, but a patient must meet certain requirements to be a good candidate for the procedure. For dental implants to be successful, one of the things they need is a stable foundation, but this doesn’t mean that someone who isn’t currently a good candidate can never receive them. There are ways to resolve the issues preventing dental implanteligibility in most cases. Read on to learn more about some of the barriers to getting dental implants and what can be done to overcome them.
Bad Oral Habits Can Keep You from Getting Dental Implants
Oral hygiene can be a deciding factor in whether a patient can receive dental implants. Since healthy gums are necessary criteria for receiving dental implants, failure to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash daily can lead to gum disease. Poor hygiene or gum disease after the implants are placed can lead to their failure. The best ways to resolve these issues are to begin proper dental hygiene immediately and to see a dentist about treating your gum disease.
Tobacco is another habit that can preclude dental implants. Smoking interferes with the healing process because it restricts blood flow to the gums, resulting in smokers having a much higher dental implant failure rate than the general population. Smokers can often receive dental implants if they don’t smoke one week before and two months after the procedure, but it’s often best to drop the habit entirely if you’re hoping to receive implants.
Dental Implants Need a Strong Foundation
Without enough healthy bone in the jaw, a dental implant will not be able to hold itself in place. Some people are born with thin jawbones, but sometimes insufficient bone mass can also be caused by advanced gum disease wearing it away. Additionally, in cases where a tooth has been missing for too long, the jaw underneath will atrophy due to a lack of exercise.
When bone mass is insufficient, a grafting procedure can reinforce the jaw enough for it to host dental implants. During this treatment, a surgeon places bone tissue into the area of the jaw to be treated. While the patient is healing from the surgery, the new tissue will integrate into the existing structure.
Preexisting Medical Conditions Can Complicate the Implant Procedure
A crucial component of the dental implant process is osseointegration, in which the natural bone assimilates the implant into its structure. Dental implants are more likely to fail if the patient has a medical condition that slows the healing process like diabetes, autoimmune disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Certain medications can also increase the chance of dental implants failing. Heartburn medications and antidepressants can interfere with the osseointegration process by slowing new bone growth. Talk with your oral surgeon about any medication you are taking during your dental implant consultation.
Dental implants are a great way to restore a smile, and most people who cannot receive them now can take steps to become eligible later. While the road to getting dental implants might seem long and challenging, having a full smile for life makes it worth it.
About the Practice
Attleboro Dental Group provides excellent and convenient dental care to the community of North Attleborough, MA. With a team of six dentists at the lead, the staff serves patients with high-quality oral health treatments, compassion, and the latest technology. Services include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are curious about being a good candidate for dental implants, contact the office online or at (774) 331-0260.