Are you looking for a permanent tooth replacement solution? You may want to consider dental implants in Clayton. However, before you get all excited, your dentist will first assess your mouth and ask you some questions about your oral health, medical and dental history, and lifestyle to determine if you’d make a good candidate for the procedure.
As it turns out, not everyone is eligible for dental implant surgery. Although disappointing, a screening is vital because it’s better to discover issues that are stopping you from getting a successful surgery than to find out about them later. What could be the factors that are preventing you from qualifying?
Reasons Why You Can’t Get Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screw-shaped posts that offer a strong and stable foundation for your removable or fixed artificial teeth. The surgery involves several steps and is often performed in an outpatient setting.
It begins with the removal of the damaged tooth, followed by gum grafting (if necessary), the placement of the implant, osseointegration and healing, the positioning of the abutment, and finally, the addition of the artificial tooth.
The entire process can take several months to complete, which is a far cry from other dental prostheses that are readily available within a couple of weeks.
People still prefer implants to bridges and dentures despite waiting for months because they last longer. Studies show that if you properly care for your implants, they can last a lifetime.
What Factors Disqualify You From Getting Dental Implants?
Gum Disease
Over 80% of Americans suffer from gum disease. If you happen to belong to this group, there’s a very slim chance your dentist will endorse you for oral surgery. Dental implants are supposed to give you a beautiful smile, but your efforts will be in vain if you have untreated gum disease.
The bacteria will not only attack your gums, but they will also damage your jawbone, both of which are integral for dental implant success. In such a case, your dentist will treat the condition first before scheduling you for surgery.
Treating gum disease can take several months, but if you are keen on getting implants, you have to be patient. Your dentist will not clear you for surgery unless your mouth is healthy.
Insufficient Jawbone Density
Sufficient jawbone density is one of the essential requirements to qualify for dental implant surgery. You must have a healthy jawbone so that the implants can successfully integrate with your bone.
During your initial consultation, your dentist will assess your jawbone density and decide if you need bone grafting. Bone grafting is a procedure where synthetic or real bone is added to your jawbone to make it strong enough to accommodate and anchor the implants.
Medical Problems
Before you’re given the go signal, your dentist will first check your medical history and ask you about the medications you are taking. Knowing your medical condition is vital, so they’ll know if your body will respond well to the implants.
An example would be patients with osteoporosis. People who have osteoporosis have a high chance of experiencing dental implant failure. Uncontrolled diabetes can also contribute to dental implant failure.
Poor Oral Health Habits
Even if you are generally healthy, there’s still a possibility that your dentist will not allow you to go through dental implant surgery. Did you know that your lifestyle plays a significant role in dental implant success? During your consultation, your dentist will likely ask you the following questions:
- Are you a smoker?
- Do you brush and floss daily?
- Do you have a habit of biting on your fingernails or chewing on ice?
While these questions may seem trivial, the answers can provide insight into the likelihood of dental implant failure. But the good news is your dentist can help you improve your oral health so that you can qualify for the treatment.
Old habits may die hard, but with patience and determination, you’ll be able to overcome them. If you smoke, now is the best time to quit. It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene to ensure that your gums are healthy. Modifying your lifestyle is also crucial to maximize the benefits of the implants.
Find Out if You Qualify for Dental Implants in Clayton
Research shows that missing teeth can negatively impact your oral health. To restore your smile and oral functionality, we recommend dental implants. If you are interested in dental implants, we’re here to help you. At Tyron Family Dentistry, we’ll carefully assess your mouth and determine if dental implant surgery is the best treatment for you. And if not, we will also discuss other available options.
Our dental team has the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide you with the best possible dental care. We use state-of-the-art equipment to give you a pleasurable and comfortable experience. Contact us today if you want to book an appointment.
