Dental implants are regarded as the gold standard of tooth replacement. Indeed, they offer a multitude of benefits! Of course, it must be acknowledged that this treatment is not right for everyone. There are some factors that might prevent you from being able to move forward with dental implants. This blog post lists a few of those issues. It also touches on what can be done to resolve such problems.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. If the bacteria that cause gum disease attack the tissue around an implant, it could easily lead to dental implant failure.
If your dentist diagnosis you with gum disease, do not become too disheartened. Modern dentistry offers a number of methods for treating the infection and restoring oral health. After successful gum disease therapy, it is very likely that you could become a candidate for dental implants.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
After your natural teeth were extracted/lost, your body began a process known as resorption. Essentially, it started recycling the bone at the site of the missing teeth, causing your jaw to become thinner and weaker. If your jawbone has deteriorated too much, it might not be able to support dental implants.
The good news is that the jawbone’s strength and size can usually be restored via a surgery known as a bone graft. Very often, patients become candidates for dental implants a few months after a successful bone graft.
Certain Medical Conditions
Some health conditions can slow down your body’s ability to heal, increase your risk of infections, and interfere with your candidacy for dental implants. One major example of this is diabetes. If it is not well-managed, it can significantly increase the risk of dental implant failure. Certain types of cancer and bone conditions could also affect your ability to receive implants.
If you have any medical problems that might interfere with your tooth replacement journey, talk to your medical team about your options. It might be possible to improve your health to the point where you can receive implants.
Age
There is no upper age limit for dental implants, but they are not recommended for young patients whose jaws are still developing. If you are under 18, your dentist will likely tell you that you should wait a while to move forward with treatment.
Personal Feelings
Some patients are reluctant to commit to dental implants because they are concerned about the monetary cost or the long treatment process. Share your worries with your dentist. They can answer your questions and help you understand your payment options so you can make a decision that best fits your unique situation. Although dental implants require a significant investment of time and money, most patients who get them would agree that they are well worth it!
Despite some potential obstacles, most people with missing teeth can receive dental implants! Talk to your dentist to learn more about this lifechanging treatment.
Meet the Practice
Dr. George Keanna is a highly experienced dentist with a strong focus on holistic care. He partners with local specialists in the Albuquerque area to provide comprehensive dental implant treatment. If you are unsure of whether this type of tooth replacement is right for you, Dr. Keanna and our team would be happy to answer your questions. Contact Natural Dental Services at 505-292-8533.