If you considering dental implants to complete your smile, you are on the right track! They are widely considered by dental professionals as the gold standard of tooth-loss solutions. The biocompatible titanium steel posts integrate seamlessly with your jaw, replacing the tooth from the root to the crown. However, there are some essential requirements to be able to qualify for this unique tooth replacement. Here are five of them!
Trait #1: Healthy Gums
Since your gums will be helping to hold the posts of your dental implant in place, it is very important for them to be healthy. If you have any gum disease lurking below the surface, it can compromise the health of your dental implant and cause it to fail. If there are any bacteria inside the pockets of the soft tissues of your mouth, it can cause your gums to be very weak. If you do have any stage of gum disease, your dentist can always treat it so you can be on your way to a restored smile.
Trait #2: A Strong and Healthy Jawbone
When there are gaps in your mouth from missing teeth, it can cause the jawbone to shrink due to lack of stimulation through blood circulation. This can weaken the jaw and cause it to lose density. Without a strong jawbone, your mouth will be unable to hold your implant in place. The good news is that if you do have a loss of jawbone density, you can get a bone graft to encourage growth for a strong and healthy foundation for your restoration.
Trait #3: Free from Chronic Disease
Certain chronic health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, can put dental implants at risk of being successful. For example, diabetes can cause people to be more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. This could result in the dental implant fusing with the jawbone. By visiting your general physician and your dentist, they can access whether your health conditions would interfere with being a candidate for dental implants.
Trait #4: No Excessive Smoking or Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol excessively or being a habitual smoker can greatly hamper the healing process of a dental implant procedure. These habits can also cause dry mouth, which means there won’t be enough saliva to effectively wash away bacteria and could lead to serious infections, like gum disease.
Trait #5: A Commitment to Dental Health
A consistent oral health routine can help ensure the success of dental implants. By brushing at least twice daily and flossing daily, the mouth can be free from any bacteria and plaque buildup. These simple practices will keep not only your mouth but your restoration healthy for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Young and his team at The Dental Group of Polaris keep the smiles of Lewis Center healthy, whole, and beautiful. He graduated from The Ohio State University dental school and is an active member of several dental associations, including the American Dental Association. With over 25 years of experience, he offers a full range of dental services, including dental implants. To schedule a consultation, contact him through his website or call (614) 888-3692.