Implant dentistry has changed treatment for missing teeth in a variety of ways. Patients who have lost a tooth can now restore their bite and smile with implants and restorations. However, dental implants in Annapolis, MD, aren’t for everyone. If you don’t have a healthy mouth to start with, implants can fail and fall out. However, if you do have dental problems that prevent an implant, you can often get treatment to help improve your oral health and increase the odds of a successful surgery.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants in Annapolis, MD?
Implants are a wonderful treatment option for patients with missing teeth. But before you can jump right into surgery, your dentist will need to ensure your gums, teeth, and jaw are healthy enough for an implant. Failure to start out with a healthy mouth can increase the likelihood of your treatment failing. Your dentist will begin by examining your mouth and taking x-rays to check for any of the following problems.
Bone Density Loss
A dental implant is a titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jaw. The post then integrates with your jawbone, mimicking the natural root structure of your tooth. If you don’t have enough bone density in your jaw, your implant could fail to integrate properly. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and loss of the implant. To prevent this, your dentist will take an x-ray of your jaw to determine how much bone density you have. If you have a loss of bone density, you could still get an implant after a successful bone grafting appointment.
Gum Disease
While the jaw bone supports the main structure of the implant, your gums are also part of the equation. If you suffer from gum disease, you could experience pain and discomfort with an implant. More than that, the disease could negatively affect the implant as well, causing it to fail. If your dentist does notice signs of gum disease, they will likely recommend periodontal therapy before beginning implant treatment. Periodontal therapy can help clean your gums and remove disease so your implant has a higher chance of success.
Decay or Tooth Damage
If your teeth suffer damage or decay, a similar issue arises as with having gum disease. Not only can damaged teeth create pain and discomfort while getting an implant, but they could reduce the chances of success. Your dentist may recommend getting additional restoration treatment before seeking implant surgery.
Smoking
While undergoing implant treatment, it’s crucial that you don’t smoke. The chemicals in a cigarette or cigar can negatively impact your implant, and the sucking motion of smoking can cause disease or damage while in the healing process. Because implant treatment often takes a few months, it’s recommended that you stop smoking early on to make the process smoother.
If you’re missing a tooth, you could be opening your mouth up to a host of problems. Call us today at (410) 989-8298 to schedule a consultation and learn more about dental implants.
