In Canada, over 19% of adults have decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth. If you can relate, you should consider filling the hole in your smile with some dental implants. Dental implants are a versatile and beneficial solution for missing teeth; however, this treatment is not the right choice for everyone. Specific issues might prevent you from being an ideal candidate for dental implants. This article will discuss some of these issues and how your dentist can solve them.
Some problems that could end up disqualifying you from getting dental implants include:
Loss of jawbone
After you lose teeth, your jawbone will begin to shrink because it no longer has stimulation from the roots of your teeth to stay in place. Getting a dental implant placed into a weakened jawbone may not have the right amount of support to remain in its permanent place long term.
Gum disease
Along with having a strong jawbone, dental implants also need a good amount of healthy gum tissue to be secured appropriately. This is why active gum disease infections will need to be treated before installing your dental implants. Plus, bacteria can also start to attack the bone and other structures which hold the implant in place, which increases your risk of dental implant failure.
Poor oral hygiene routine
Dental implants are durable, and they can last for decades if taken care of with daily brushing and flossing. If you cannot accomplish this daily, this could mean that your dental implants will not last very long, and the investment will not be worth it for you.
Use of tobacco
Those who smoke or chew tobacco regularly are two to three times more likely than non-smokers to experience dental implant failures. In addition to that, there are specific types of medications that can make dental implants less successful. This is why it will be vital for you to discuss your medical history with your dentist and tell them about your current medications.
However, keep in mind that just because you might have one or more of the issues mentioned above does not necessarily mean that you will never be able to get dental implants. There are many different dental treatments out there designed to help you increase your success rate for dental implants. One of these solutions is bone grafts. Bone grafts can strengthen a deteriorated jaw bone. Getting a deep cleaning will also help to reduce and target gum disease. Your dentist can also give you some resources to help you quit smoking, help you maintain better hygiene, and manage your medical conditions.
Your dentist wants you to have a healthy smile that is complete and gives you confidence. Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions to help you accomplish this. You can be sure that if your dentist suggests you could benefit from dental implants, they will try their best to make sure your treatment is as safe and successful as possible.
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