No matter if you’ve lost a single tooth or all your teeth, dental implants near Danforth can rebuild a beautiful smile. You can enjoy the next best thing to your real teeth, but are you a candidate for the procedure? Generally, patients who have good oral and general health can get them; however, there are a few issues that might prevent you from receiving dental implants. Don’t worry, your dentist can often resolve the concerns to create the healthy foundation necessary to support your dental implants.
1. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gum tissue caused by bacteria found and plaque and tartar buildup. Although proper oral hygiene habits can prevent it, at least 50% of Americans have periodontal disease. As a result, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss.
Unfortunately, you won’t be a candidate for dental implants until after the infection has been treated with periodontal therapy. While it will delay your implant procedure, it’s necessary to ensure the long-term success of your dental implants. After your placement surgery, it’s essential you maintain your oral hygiene and visit your dentist near Danforth at least twice a year to keep the infection at bay.
2. Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, you aren’t just missing the crown. Instead, you also lose the root, so your jawbone won’t be stimulated any longer. It will slowly lose density. In fact, you can lose as much as 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year. If too much is lost, there won’t be enough bone to support your dental implant, which will ultimately lead to failure.
Thankfully, your dentist can enhance the thickness of your bone using a simple procedure. Bone grafting restores weakened areas to ensure your jaw can sustain your new smile for many decades with the right aftercare.
3. Poor Oral Hygiene
Dental implants are the most reliable solution to replace missing teeth. They have over a 95% success rate to last for a lifetime. Their longevity relies on your oral hygiene habits. If you currently don’t brush twice a day, floss at night, or skip semi-annual appointments, your dentist may recommend a treatment other than dental implants. Committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist for a cleaning and checkup twice a year will ensure your smile will stay healthy after your placement surgery to enjoy the benefits of dental implants.
Invest in a Complete Smile
Your dentist will perform a thorough consultation to look for any concerns. Besides discussing your medical and lifestyle history, they will also review a CT scan to ensure there aren’t any hidden problems below the surface, like infection or bone loss. Your dentist will create the personalized plan you need to rebuild your smile.