Dental implants can be a wise long-term investment if you care for them properly. Unlike other tooth replacement alternatives, the dental implant and its accompanying prosthetic crown replicate the entire structure of the missing tooth, not merely the visible portion.
However, in order for those dental implants to be an enduring solution, patients’ mouths must have certain structural elements in place.
Specifically, the available bone material in the jaw is essential to this process. Implants are so durable because they fuse with the bone over time. As such, patients must have sufficient jawbone material to allow their Charlottesville implant dentist to place the dental implants.
If a patient has experienced extensive bone loss following tooth loss, the implant dentist likely will need to perform a bone graft prior to placing the dental implants.
Certain health conditions may pose problems for dental implant patients
Because it leads to inflammation that can attack the bone, advanced periodontal disease can present issues for dental implant patients when it is not controlled. If you have untreated periodontal disease, your implant dentist may refer you to a periodontist to get that condition under control prior to dental implant placement.
Other diseases that lead to inflammation, such as diabetes or heart disease, may also concern your dentist when they are untreated.
Of course, patients must be in good enough health generally to be able to tolerate the dental implant placement surgery itself. Although the surgery is not extensive, patients still must be well enough to heal properly afterward.
Lifestyle factors may also influence dental implant success
For example, smokers may have problems with their dental implants. Although an implant dentist can place implants in smokers, those patients are strongly urged to kick the habit to increase their chances of dental implant success.
Rest assured that the conditions described above will not prevent you from getting dental implants. You will just need to seek treatment prior to dental implant placement.
Also, keep in mind that dental implants have a highly impressive success rate in nearly all patients. If you have any concerns about factors that may jeopardize your dental implants, discuss them with your implant dentist early in the process.
To learn more and to schedule your consultation, please call Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center at 434-295-0911 today.