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Dental implants continue to gain popularity as one of the best ways to replace missing teeth because of their unique benefits. They’re the only restoration that’s inserted directly into your jawbone, giving them advantages over alternatives like dentures and dental bridges. For example, they function as resilient standalone structures and have fewer dietary restrictions.
Although dental implants are incredibly popular, they’re not necessarily the right treatment for everyone. That’s why you must consult with your dentist before you can move forward with your procedure. They’ll examine your mouth to verify whether you’re a good candidate and make a recommendation based on their findings.
If you’re not sure what could prevent you from rebuilding your smile with dental implants, continue reading to learn about 3 factors that could hold you back!
Issue #1: Untreated Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria and plaque form along your gums. In time, this buildup can penetrate below them and cause and cause disease. Your condition will only progressively get worse if it goes unaddressed. You could develop receding gums, swelling, or inflammation. Unfortunately, this can put your dental implants at risk.
To fill the gap in your grin, your dentist will surgically place a titanium support pole into the socket left behind by your missing tooth. As with any invasive procedure, the incision needs to be protected from possible sources of infection, like untreated gum disease. That’s why your provider will work with you to clear it up before replacing your teeth this way.
Issue #2: Insufficient Bone Density
Did you know that when you lose a tooth your body reabsorbs some of the bone mass from your jaw that’s no longer necessary to support it? In time, this can weaken your mouth to the point that it can no longer support your natural teeth, let alone a dental implant.
Your dentist will take X-ray images and scans to measure your jawbone’s density before recommending this treatment. If they discover that it’s inadequate, a bone graft procedure might be able to bulk it up enough to move forward. The good news is that if you do get dental implants, they function like a natural tooth to stimulate your jaw which keeps it active and strong.
Issue #3: Other Health Problems
If you suffer from other medical conditions that impact your body’s ability to recover from surgery or fight infection, then dental implants may not be the best choice for you. For instance, those with diabetes have fluctuating blood glucose levels that can slow down healing as well as increase the risk of gum disease which could lead to implant failure.
Other ailments like immune system issues, blood clotting disorders, and cancer can also impact your body’s ability to heal from your procedure. Your dentist won’t want to put your overall well-being at risk and might recommend a different restoration, like a dental bridge or dentures, instead.
You won’t know for sure whether you’re a viable candidate until you meet with your provider. If they find any areas of concern, they’ll do their best to clear them up so that you can rebuild your grin with dental implants!
About the Practice
At Laketown Family Dental, people of all ages benefit from a husband/wife dental duo that offers a full array of services under one roof, including dental implants. They combine a gentle and compassionate approach with the latest dental technology to provide top-tier oral care. They partner with the best local experts to create lifelike, long-lasting restorations to refurbish your smile. If you’re interested in dental implants and are ready for your consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (231) 737-2273.