Dental implants have been revolutionizing treatment for missing teeth for decades and have now become more popular than ever. However, if you have your sights set on restoring your smile with them, you’ll need an examination with your dentist first. This is because there are a few conditions that could limit your ability to receive the treatment. But what are these roadblocks, and can they be prevented? Read on to learn more.
1. Insufficient Bone Density
Good bone density is important for supporting dental implants. Bone loss in your jaw can happen for many reasons like tooth loss, periodontal disease, and trauma. Without a strong jawbone of a certain thickness, you may not be able to support an implant.
In such cases, bone grafting could be a solution! This procedure takes bone from one part of the body to supplement your jaw. While this process takes a bit longer, it can restore your ability to receive treatment.
2. Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease causes inflammation and infection of the gums and can even affect the supporting structures of your teeth. This can weaken your implant, causing it to fail. Your dentist will need to treat active gum disease before implant placement to minimize this risk. Scaling and root planing is the traditional treatment, but new technologies like soft tissue lasers are fast and effective!
3. Health Conditions
Uncontrolled diabetes and autoimmune disorders can affect your body’s ability to heal properly after dental implant surgery. This is why it’s important to be honest with your dentist and talk about your medical history during your consultation.
4. Smoking or Excessive Alcohol
Smoking and consuming excessive alcohol can have serious consequences for your oral health. Not only will they delay the healing process, but they can also increase the odds of infection. In addition, cigarettes and alcohol reduce your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients it needs to build strong bone. Without them, your implant may not fuse properly, causing it to fail. It’s best to quit both substances while your implant is healing and then moderate their use once the implant settles.
If you’re considering dental implants but have concerns about potential obstacles, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. With proper evaluation and treatment planning, many of these challenges can be conquered, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of dental implants!
About the Practice
Dr. Eric L. Townsend and Dr. Kristopher R. Harth are talented and friendly dentists with decades of experience. They love helping their patients restore their smiles and lead happier, healthier lives. Both of them stay up-to-date on the latest breakthroughs in dental technology and techniques through multiple professional organizations. Call (904) 285-7711 to schedule a dental implant consultation at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry or visit the website to explore other treatments and services they provide.