5 Things That Can Interfere with Your Dental Implant Journey

Dental implants are incredibly reliable and long-lasting. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for all sorts of benefits, including being comfortable, stable, and natural-looking. However, in order to be successful, it’s important that you are a good candidate for this procedure. Here are some issues that could get in the way of your dental implant journey.

Gum Disease

To get dental implants, you must have healthy gum tissue. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue, and this can develop around the implant and lead to dental implant failure if it isn’t treated quickly. If you currently have gum disease, you must undergo gum disease therapy to eliminate the infection before you can get dental implant surgery.

Insufficient Jawbone

When you don’t have enough supportive bone available, your dentist isn’t able to place the implant in a stable enough position in the mouth. This type of bone loss can occur from many years of missing teeth, gum disease, and osteoporosis.

Smoking

Dental implants have a high success rate of 98%. However, being a smoker significantly increases your risk of dental implant failure. That being said, just because you smoke doesn’t mean that you can’t get dental implants. Keep in mind that it is crucial that you refrain from smoking for at least one week before and two months after your implant placement surgery. Of course, this is also a great opportunity to kick the habit for good.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you aren’t caring for your smile now, how will your dentist know that you will after you get dental implants. If you aren’t committed or willing to thoroughly clean your teeth twice a day, you will not be a good candidate for dental implants.

Medical Conditions

Dental implant failure is more likely if you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions affect your body’s ability to heal quickly and efficiently which can get in the way of the osseointegration process. This is the process in which the dental implant fuses to the jawbone. If you have any medical diagnoses or are taking any medication, let your dentist know so every precaution can be taken.

Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option, but they aren’t for everyone. To find out if you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can discuss your options and put together a plan that is right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Carroll R. Butler is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 28 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio before jointing the United States Air Force and completing a dental residency program at Travis AFB in California. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Kerrville, visit his website or call (830) 257-4900.