Are you one of the 178 million Americans who are missing at least one tooth? If so, you may have considered rebuilding your smile with dental implants. As versatile and beneficial as this treatment is, it’s not right for everyone. Certain problems might prevent you from being a good candidate for dental implants. Keep reading to learn about five of these issues and how your dentist might be able to resolve them.
Issues That Could Keep You from Getting Dental Implants
Some issues that could disqualify you from getting dental implants include:
Jawbone Loss
After tooth loss, the jawbone starts to shrink because it loses stimulation from the roots of your teeth. A dental implant placed in a weakened jawbone may not have enough support to stay in place in the long term.
Gum Disease
In addition to a strong jawbone, dental implants need to be supported by healthy gum tissue in order to be successful. That’s why any active infections in your mouth, including gum disease, must be treated beforehand. Otherwise, bacteria could attack the bone and other structures holding the implant in place, increasing your risk of dental implant failure.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Dental implants can last for decades, but only if you take care of them with daily brushing and flossing. If you’re unable to thoroughly clean your teeth every day, then your dental implants may not last.
Tobacco Use
People who smoke (or chew) tobacco are two to three times more likely than non-smokers to experience dental implant failure. Smoking impairs your body’s healing ability, which can prevent the implants from integrating with your jawbone.
Certain Medical Conditions
Some autoimmune diseases, as well as conditions like type 2 diabetes, can hinder the healing process and make dental implants more likely to fail. Additionally, certain medications might make dental implants less successful. That’s why it’s important to discuss your medical history and all of your current medications with your dentist.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Just because you have one or more of the above issues doesn’t necessarily mean you can never get dental implants. There are plenty of treatments designed to increase the success rate of dental implants. For example, a bone graft can strengthen a deteriorated jawbone, and a deep cleaning can target gum disease. Your dentist or doctor can also provide you with resources for quitting smoking, maintaining better oral hygiene, and managing medical conditions.
Ultimately, your dentist wants you to have a healthy, complete smile that you can be proud of. Dental implants are often the most efficient way to accomplish this goal. Rest assured that if your dentist thinks you could benefit from dental implants, they will do their utmost to make your treatment as safe and successful as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Rishit Patel studied dentistry in his native India before moving to the U.S. and earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Boston University. At RP Dental & Implants, he is able to perform every step of the dental implant process under one roof, making your treatment more affordable and convenient. He has also undergone advanced training in bone grafting procedures to help patients with jawbone loss become better candidates for dental implants. To learn more about whether dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Patel’s Lady Lake, FL dental office at 352-750-0008.