If you have missing teeth, then you may be all too familiar with the many downsides of it. You may have trouble eating certain foods or even experience some jawbone loss! A great way to restore lost teeth is with the help of dental implants. They will give you a full smile, but they also come with many benefits.
That being said, not everyone can get this tooth replacement option right away. Your dentist will assess your oral and overall health to ensure that you are a good candidate. Keep reading to learn what qualities make it more likely for you to get this treatment.
1.) Do You Have a Healthy Lifestyle?
Dental implants can last a lifetime with the proper care. They don’t require much than what you are already used to, so you can simply continue having a brushing and flossing routine. This will help clear out any harmful bacteria that can attack the implant site. Without it, then the surrounding tissue and bone can become infected, causing the implant to feel loose.
Additionally, it’s important to break unhealthy habits like tobacco use. Both smoking and chewing can lead to the tooth replacement failing. Tobacco leads to bone loss and slows down how fast you heal after the procedure, potentially leading to an unstable implant.
2.) How Is Your General Health?
Despite being a dental procedure, there are a few factors in your overall health that can determine if you can get dental implants. Unmaintained chronic conditions can create complications that pose a risk to the tooth replacement. For instance, unmanaged diabetes can contribute to cavities and gum disease, which can affect the implant site.
Your dentist will want to make sure that these conditions are well-managed to avoid any risks to the dental implants.
3.) Do You Have Enough Jawbone Density?
When you have missing teeth, it often leads to jawbone loss. That is because the roots of your teeth naturally stimulate your jaw with every bite you take and when you chew. This pressure gets sent down your tooth and into the jawbone. Your body takes these signals and sends nutrients to ensure the bone stays strong.
However, if you are missing teeth, then your jaw doesn’t get this stimulation. Your body starts to reabsorb the jawbone to use the minerals elsewhere. Over time, it starts to shrink, making it risky to place dental implants.
This poses an issue because the tooth replacement needs a solid foundation to fuse effectively and be reliable. The good news is that you are not out of luck if you don’t have ample jawbone density. Your dentist can give you a bone graft to rebuild your jawbone. They take bone tissue and place it in areas that need it.
What if you have extensive bone loss and are missing teeth on an entire dental arch? Then, all-on-4 dental implants may be an option for you! This treatment uses naturally thick areas of your jaw to support the implants, so you may be eligible for this!
The best way to tell if you are a good candidate for dental implants is with a consultation with your dentist! They want you to be able to enjoy the tooth replacement for a lifetime, so don’t feel down if you aren’t eligible for them right away. With a treatment plan, you’ll be able to get closer to your goal of having a full smile that is not only aesthetic but reliable.
About the Author
Dr. Erin Prach earned her dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She continued her education and had extensive training in oral surgery, so you can feel confident when choosing her for dental implants. With your smile in mind, Dr. Prach ensures that your mouth is the right foundation it needs to be to have the tooth replacement last a lifetime. If you’re looking to fill gaps from missing teeth, schedule an appointment or call us at (307) 337-4770.