If you have lost one or more teeth, you should certainly consider getting dental implants to recomplete your smile. This treatment offers a multitude of benefits that make it the true gold standard among tooth replacement options. Of course, it must still be admitted that dental implants are not right for everyone. What issues could prevent you from getting them, and how can those issues be resolved? This blog post explains.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an oral infection that attacks the gum tissue. When it affects the tissue around a dental implant, it can cause the implant to fail.
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, do not be too discouraged. Gum disease is highly treatable! After your mouth no longer has any active infections, you may become a candidate for dental implants.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
After your natural teeth fell out or were extracted, your body began a process known as resorption. Basically, that means that because the jawbone was no longer being stimulated by your tooth roots, your body started to recycle it, causing it to become smaller and weaker. If your jawbone has experienced significant resorption, it may not be able to support dental implants.
Fortunately, the jawbone can usually be restored to the point where it can accommodate dental implants. This is usually done via bone grafting, a special surgery wherein bone material is added to the jaw. Many patients become candidates for dental implants a few months after a successful bone graft.
Certain Medical Conditions
Some medical problems can reduce your body’s ability to heal, heighten your risk of infections, and affect your candidacy for dental implants. One example of this is diabetes. If it is not kept under control, it can raise the risk of dental implant failure. Some types of cancer and bone diseases could also affect your body’s ability to support implants.
It is important that you are straightforward with your dental team about your medical history so they can account for such factors when designing your treatment plan. You may also need to work with your primary care provider to improve your overall health. After some time, you might become eligible for dental implants.
Age
There is no upper age limit for dental implant treatment; countless seniors get them every year! However, they are not recommended for young people whose jawbones are not yet fully developed. If you are under 21, you may need to wait a few years to move forward with treatment.
Financial Concerns
Some patients hesitate to get dental implants because they are concerned about the financial cost of treatment. Although dental implants cost more than other types of tooth replacement, they are a better long-term value due to their longevity and other benefits. Ask your dentist if they offer financing or have other provisions in place to help patients afford their care. You might be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to fit your new smile into your budget!
In spite of some potential obstacles, most people with missing teeth can get dental implants. Your dentist will be happy to share more information with you about this life-changing treatment.
Meet the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Bryan Griffith, the team at Brookside Dental Care is proud to provide start-to-finish dental implant services. If you are thinking about getting this treatment, we warmly invite you to schedule a FREE no-obligation consultation. We will be happy to answer your questions and design a plan to help you enjoy a strong, complete smile. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact our Prestonsburg office at 606-874-9311.