Virtually everyone knows that dental implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth. Since they serve as new tooth roots, they can provide an incredible array of benefits to your smile that you won’t expect from traditional treatments. Even so, you’ll have to be a good candidate first before receiving these tooth replacements. Read on to learn some of the oral health problems that can prevent you from undergoing dental implant treatment.
Gum Disease
Your gum line will need to be healthy before undergoing the procedure, since the connective tissues will be required to hold your metal posts in place. If your gums are infected, this could significantly raise the risk of your implants failing before they can even fuse with your bone. To prepare you for the procedure, your dentist will need to perform gum disease treatment to get rid of the infection first.
Low Jawbone Density
A strong and healthy jawbone will be necessary to hold your dental implants in position for as long as possible. Unfortunately, unaddressed tooth loss can end up leading to deterioration of the bone tissue, since there are no tooth roots to stimulate the area. Patients who don’t have enough jawbone density or volume won’t be able to effectively fuse the metal posts to their bone until they’ve undergone bone grafting.
Smoking
While dental implants tend to have a success rate of over 95%, using tobacco products can raise the risk of treatment failure. If you tend to smoke, you’ll have to take certain measures to increase your chances of a successful procedure, such as refraining from smoking for at least a week or two months after the procedure. For the best chance of enjoying your new teeth for a lifetime, it’s better to kick the habit altogether.
Medical Conditions
Those who are struggling with conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases might have a higher risk of dental implant failure. Since your body will need to heal for osseointegration to occur properly, you’ll need to consult with your primary physician as well as your dentist to create a proper treatment plan to get your condition under control.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Other than having good oral health, you’ll also need to be entirely committed to maintaining great oral hygiene. If you don’t thoroughly clean your smile every day and visit your dentist regularly, you can end up increasing the risk of failure later down the road. By brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash daily, you’ll have a greater chance at making the most of your brand-new pearly whites.
While dental implants are one of the best ways to rebuild a smile, they aren’t always for everyone. Be sure to speak with your dentist if you’re having issues with any of the above complications, and they can discuss the best ways to prepare your oral health for this treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Olson graduated from the University of Florida Dental School, and he remains dedicated to pursuing advanced training through organizations like the Dawson Academy and the Engle Institute. He offers a wide range of services, including dental implants to completely rebuild missing teeth. If you wish to learn more about this tooth replacement option or wish to schedule a consultation, visit our website or reach out to our team at 417-823-4900.