Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, and dental implants in Falls City are one way that many people are able to achieve their teeth goals. However, the procedure isn’t right for everybody, especially for those who already have underlying issues that could increase the risk of having an implant failure. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about what issues could keep you from getting implants as a tooth replacement option.
Insufficient Jawbone
A successful dental implant is reliable on a strong jawbone to support it. If you have suffered from jawbone deterioration, which is common amongst people who have been missing teeth for a while, then it may not be healthy enough for implants. Jawbone shrinkage can also be caused by osteoporosis, periodontal disease, and trauma.
Gum Disease
Having healthy gum tissue is crucial for dental implant surgery. This is because periodontal disease is an infection that can damage the gums and jawbone. When it is left untreated, it could cause infection to develop around your new implant and lead to failure. It’s important to see your dentist to have your gum disease treated before you can consider getting a dental implant.
Smoking
Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums which slows the healing process. According to research studies, smokers may have a dental implant failure rate of up to 20% as compared to the average failure rate of 2-5%. If you smoke, this does not necessarily mean that you can’t get dental implants, but you will have to refrain from smoking one week prior and two months after your implant placement to reduce this risk of implant failure.
Certain Medical Conditions
If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or another condition that can slow the healing process, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, you are at increased risk of a dental implant failure. Certain medications can also have this effect. It’s important to discuss all of these things with your dentist.
Poor Dental Hygiene
For patients who are not known to practice good dental hygiene, this is not an ideal procedure. Thoroughly cleaning your teeth on a regular basis is crucial to keep up with your dental implants and prevent them from failing. If you have limitations that affect your ability to practice good oral hygiene, this isn’t the tooth replacement option for you.
Dental implants have grown increasingly popular over the years because of their ability to restore smiles while also maintaining the integrity of the jawbone and facial structure. In fact, over 3 million Americans are already reaping the benefits. Ask your dental provider if you are a good candidate for the procedure. You will have your smile back in no time!
About the Author
Dr. J. Travis Kobza is a family and implant dentist serving patients in Falls City, NE. He completed his implant training with the Hands On Institute, expanding his skills in many different aspects of implant restoration. Dr. Kobza is a member of multiple professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, where he was awarded a fellowship in 2014. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (402) 245-2243.