Dental implants are amazing prosthetic devices that have replaced countless lost teeth with beautifully lifelike restorations that feel and work just like the real thing. While this makes them the ideal form of tooth replacement, you’ll have to be in good oral health before you can receive the treatment. Here’s a brief overview of a few qualities of an excellent dental implant candidate and how you may be able to achieve them.
You’ll Need to Be Free from Gum Disease
Gum disease is a sinister little menace that starts out small as reversible gingivitis before progressing to the far more destructive stage of periodontitis, and it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss and implant failure across the world. While gingivitis can usually be addressed with improved oral hygiene, patients with periodontitis will require periodontal therapy to restore the health of their gums before they can receive dental implants.
You’ll Need Strong Jawbones
Briefly after a tooth is lost, the bone structure that supported it will begin to atrophy due to a lack of stimulation. If this process is allowed to progress, it can even pull neighboring teeth out of alignment, which can lead to injury, infection, and further tooth loss. Bone loss due to many missing teeth can eventually leave the patient’s mouth with a sunken and withered appearance.
If you’ve lived with missing teeth for a while, your jawbones may be too thin to support dental implants. However, this issue can often be addressed by reinforcing the jaws with bone grafts. After your mouth has had several months to heal, your dentist will be able to begin planning your dental implant process. Once your implants are in place, they will provide the jawbone with the stimulation it needs to stay healthy during the chewing process, which can prevent or reverse the process of bone loss.
You’ll Need Excellent Oral Hygiene
Dental implant patients must commit to a regular maintenance and oral hygiene regimen to ensure that their new teeth stay in working order and their gums and jawbones remain healthy enough to support them. Luckily, dental implants only require the same hygiene measures as real teeth. To keep your new teeth in great shape, you’ll need to:
- Brush and floss daily
- Use antibacterial mouthwash frequently
- Keep up with regular dental appointments
- Avoid excessive sugar and acid consumption
- Refrain from using your teeth as tools to open packages
While it can take several months to get dental implants, the benefits are worth the wait. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to replace your lost teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin earned his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and keeps his skills current by regularly participating in continuing education coursework. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Bartlesville offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To book your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (918) 336-6777.