If you have missing teeth, a thorough investigation is going to lead you to a singular conclusion – that dental implants are the cat’s meow when it comes to your replacement options. But are they the cream of the crop for your oral health needs specifically?
From maintaining the shape of your face to restoring bite force to preventing bone loss, there are so many benefits with a commitment to dental implants. Keep reading to learn from your implant dentist in Willowbrook if you are a viable dental implant candidate.
Must Be Diligent About Oral Hygiene
For dental implants to succeed and for the surrounding gums to be healthy, good oral hygiene is crucial. The implants are relatively low maintenance once they are fused to your jawbone, but proper dental care is necessary to prevent complications. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash, and regularly visiting your dentist will help you enjoy your new smile for years to come!
Your Gums Have to Be in Good Standing
Dental implants derive their stability from surgical insertion into the jawbone and the subsequent osseointegration. Your gums help keep them firmly anchored. However, if your gums are compromised in any way, they won’t effectively hold the titanium post in place. Therefore, patients with gum disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy before becoming eligible for implants. Otherwise, bacteria can attack the bone supporting the implant, causing it to fail.
Sufficient Bone Density Is Crucial
A patient must have sufficient jawbone density for a successful implant procedure since they are anchored into the jaw. The fusion of implants to the bone, aka osseointegration, is a crucial part of the process, as it ensures your implants stay in place permanently to provide unmatched stability and a strong bite force. However, if you don’t have an adequate amount of bone, your implants can become loose or fail. Fortunately, you can undergo a bone graft to create more area for implant placement, thus improving your candidacy.
You Need to Generally Be in Good Health
A person with a chronic disease is at greater risk of dental implant failure. For example, patients with diabetes have a higher rate of implant failure because their condition interferes with osseointegration and slows the healing process. Heart disease and sleep apnea can interfere with anesthesia, which could create complications during surgery. Therefore, a dental implant candidate should ideally be free from chronic diseases.
Must Avoid Smoking and Drink Only in Moderation
When you use alcohol or tobacco it can decrease your body’s ability to heal properly. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth, inhibit blood clotting, and even lead to bone loss. Smoking increases your chances of developing gum disease and can also contribute to bone loss, potentially resulting in implant failure.
If you are still reading to this point and you either do or will be able to check all these boxes, you are going to have the smile-changing opportunity to get dental implants. If not, you still have the chance to make strides in your oral health to the point where you can be deemed an excellent implant candidate.
About the Practice
At Song Dental, our number-one goal is to help you stay healthy and happy. We are going to listen to your concerns and customize treatment to fit your needs. We look forward to proving we are the trustworthy dentist in Willowbrook that you can count on. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and maximize your benefits for valuable savings. Advanced dental technology enables us to save you time without compromising the quality of your care. If you are interested in dental implants, we can handle placement and restoration in our office location. Step one is to talk about how implants can help your smile during a consultation, which you can schedule on our website or by calling (630) 655-8781.