When you’re missing teeth, it’s easier to develop more dental problems. Decay, disease, tooth shifting, and facial sagging are all common symptoms of a missing tooth when left untreated for too long. Dental implants in Broomall, PA, can help restore your bite after losing a tooth, but not everyone can benefit from them. If you don’t have a healthy mouth to begin with, it’s possible that your dental implant could fail. After examining your bite, your dentist can help decide if you’re eligible for a dental implant.
X-ray view of denture with implant. Xray view. Medically accurate 3D illustration
Who Can Get Dental Implants in Broomall, PA
Most patients can get a dental implant when missing a tooth. However, there are some dental problems that could prevent you from receiving successful treatment. Thankfully, most of these cases can be solved with additional dental procedures or lifestyle changes. When considering dental treatment, your dentist will look for the following factors.
Gum Health
Your gums need to be healthy and strong if they’re going to support a dental implant. Patients who suffer from periodontal (gum) disease may experience pain and discomfort when getting an implant. The disease can also affect the post of the implant, increasing the chances of it failing. If you do have gum disease, your dentist may recommend you to a periodontist for further treatment. After scaling and Root planning, many patients can have healthier gum tissue that is ready to receive an implant.
Jaw Bone Density
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone. There, the post infuses with the bone, mimicking the natural root structure of your tooth. If there’s not enough bone density in your jaw, the implant could fail and fall out. Bone density is often lost when a tooth falls out or is extracted. And the longer you’re missing a tooth, the more likely you are to lose bone density. If you don’t have a strong enough jaw bone, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure to help restore jaw strength. Afterward, many patients can get dental implants with a higher success rate.
Smoking Habits
Smoking can damage your teeth and gums naturally, but it’s especially harmful when getting dental implants. Not only can the hazardous chemicals in a cigarette or cigar damage the post, but the sucking motion used while smoking can harm the socket where the post was placed. Because it can take a few months for the dental implant to integrate into your bone, it’s recommended that patients stop smoking a few weeks or months before treatment to help smooth the healing process.
If you’re missing a tooth or need an extraction, dental implants may be able to help restore your bite and smile. Call Williamsburg Dental at (610) 347-8302 to schedule a consultation. After examining your bite, your dentist can determine if you’re eligible for dental implants, and can recommend any necessary treatment prior to surgery.