Dental implants are often touted to be considerably stronger than other methods of tooth replacement owing to the security afforded by the jawbone. While the surgery involved in dental implants makes them durable, it can also be a little bit of a barrier to entry for some patients.
Generally speaking, the dental implant procedure is mild enough that most patients can get them eventually. However, there are some issues that you may have to deal with beforehand. Here are some examples.
Gum Disease and Dental Implant Failure
One of the most common reasons that a dental implant fails is due to infection. If you have gum disease that is untreated, it may begin to attack the jawbone, which can compromise the integrity of the dental implant. For that reason, most dentists would recommend treating any gum disease that you have before embarking upon dental implant surgery.
Unfortunately, gum disease is also one of the main reasons why people lose teeth in the first place, which often makes treating it an important first step in getting dental implants.
Bone Loss and Bone Grafts
The body is exceedingly good at allocating nutrients where they’re needed. Think about your muscles—if one of them is used less often, it’s likely to get fewer resources from the body and shrink over time.
Your jaw works the same way. If an area of the jaw is no longer supporting a tooth, it’s likely to receive fewer nutrients and shrink. This can be a problem when you become interested in dental implants, as the jaw is their main source of support.
Patients who have been missing a tooth for a while may need a bone graft before getting their dental implants. This can supplement the jawbone and provide your dental implants with a stronger foundation.
Remedying Poor Dental Hygiene
If you want to protect your dental implant in the long run, you should make sure that your dental hygiene is in top form. It’s best to get this straightened out before getting dental implants.
If you aren’t already, you should make a habit of brushing twice a day and flossing daily. You should also be making biannual trips to the dentist’s office to make sure that your oral health is where it needs to be.
About the Author
Dr. Olga Kandov has been in dentistry for well over a decade, and in her time working with patients she has developed a deep understanding of how to care for people comfortably and efficiently. She has a plethora of skills and certifications that make her uniquely suited to help you get your oral health on track. Dr. Kandov received her dental degree from Temple University, and she is Certified with the Hiossen Implant System.
If you have any questions about dental implants, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (215) 345-6500.