If you’ve spent any amount of time talking to your dentist about dental implants in Carrollton, you know that there are a few requirements a person much meet in order to be a qualified candidate. This tooth replacement solution isn’t for everyone, and if the idea of undergoing surgery doesn’t sound like the method you prefer, you can still achieve a beautifully restored smile in other ways. However, if you want a stable, longer-lasting solution, then here are 5 things you should know before having your dental implants placed.
Bone Support: The Key to Success
In order to be an eligible candidate for dental implants, you must have enough bone density. Your jawbone serves as the foundation for providing support for your teeth. Needing stimulation to stay strong, if a tooth is missing and is left untreated for some time, the bone can begin to deteriorate.
Your dentist in Carrollton will evaluate your mouth and jawbone to determine if the time without a tooth was enough to deplete or weaken your bone structure. If not, then you will be ready to receive your dental implants. But, if it is determined that you don’t have enough bone strength, you and your dentist can discuss the possibility of undergoing a bone grafting procedure to add bone minerals to the area in an effort to rebuild and strengthen your bone.
Kick the Habit: Why Smoking Can Result in Failure
Face it: If you smoke, you’ve probably been told by more than one medical professional that you should quit. Not only is it bad for your overall health, but it can wreak havoc on your oral health, too. In fact, many dentists will not place dental implants if the patient is a smoker. Why? Because smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to heal (and fight off infection).
Anyone who receives dental implants must undergo several months of healing before receiving their custom restoration. During this time, osseointegration, a process in which the implant must successfully fuse to the bone, must take place. If your body has a difficult time healing, this process may never occur, and your implant will fail.
Patience is a Virtue: The Process of Getting Dental Implants
Receiving dental implants is a lengthy process. Although it requires only a few appointments, it often spans several months before the placement is completed. During the first appointment, your dentist will install the implants into your jawbone. Then, you’ll spend anywhere from 3-6 months healing at home before returning to the dentist office and receiving the abutment and customized restoration.
Although it isn’t a short and sweet process, the result is worth the wait.
Overall Health: Its Impact on Your New Fixtures
Not every patient is going to have a clean bill of health before having dental implants placed, but it is important that you talk to your dentist about your general health during your initial consultation. If you have any of the following, it will most likely be advised that you pursue another option for tooth replacement:
- HIV
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
These weaken the immune system in such a way that successful placement is slim when it comes to dental implants. Also, if you are sensitive or have an allergy to metal, dental implants will not be the right method of treatment for you.
Regular Checkups: Why It’s Important to See Your Dentist
During the process of getting your dental implants, you’ll want to be sure you keep your regularly scheduled appointments. This will allow your dentist in Carrollton to ensure everything is progressing nicely and you’re having no problems with the implant. Once everything is put into place, you’ll still want to keep your six-month appointments, as this will allow your dental professional to examine and evaluate your implant(s), making sure there are no complications or problems developing.
Now that you know what to expect, you can feel more confident moving forward with your dental implant placement.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry and has been practicing dentistry for more than 12 years. Opening Aegis Dental in 2012, she and her team work together with local oral surgeons and periodontists to ensure patients receiving dental implants are given the highest level of care and beautiful results. For questions about how we can help you get the smile you deserve with dental implants, visit our website or call (972) 492-6700.