Missing teeth can lead to a host of other dental problems and lifestyle changes. For many patients, dental implants in East Cobb, GA, can help restore their bite after losing teeth. However, not everyone can benefit from implant dentistry. Before recommending an implant, your dentist will need to examine your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if your mouth is stable enough to receive an implant. If you aren’t a good candidate for implants, your dentist can help recommend additional restorative treatment options.
What Affects Getting Dental Implants in Cobb, GA?
Many dentists recommend implants for their added strength, security, and bone density retention. However, patients who have poor oral health or certain lifestyle habits may not benefit from an implant. If you have another dental condition, it’s possible that your implant could fail and even fall out. However, just because you aren’t cleared for an implant right away doesn’t mean you can’t get one at all. Many common reasons a dental implant isn’t available can be fixed with successful treatment.
Bone Density
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone. The post mimics the natural root structure of your tooth. It integrates into your jaw and helps provide additional support and strength to your bite. If you don’t have enough bone density in your jaw, the implant could fail to integrate properly. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and the loss of the implant.
Bone density loss is common when patients naturally lose a tooth or need an extraction. Your dentist may be able to provide a bone grafting treatment option that could restore bone density. If successful, you may be cleared to get a dental implant.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a leading cause of the failure of dental implants. When your gums are infected, the disease can negatively impact the titanium post of the implant. Gum disease can also make the surgical site suffer more pain, bleeding, and swelling during and after treatment. Gum disease can spread quickly and affect the entirety of your mouth. However, successful periodontal therapy can clean up your gums and help keep them healthy for implant dentistry.
Smoking
While there are many lifestyle habits that can affect the success of an implant, smoking is among the most impactful. Not only do the hazardous chemicals in a cigarette or cigar impact your implant, but the sucking notion of smoking can affect the surgical site. Because implants can take a few months to complete treatment, most dentists recommend patients quit smoking a few weeks before surgery. This can help make the implant process both successful and less stressful.
If you have a missing tooth, your mouth could suffer even more damage. At Sea of Pearls Dentistry, we coordinate with local oral surgeons to help our patients receive successful implants with high-quality restorations. Call our office today at 470.431.1580 to schedule a consultation and see if dental implants are right for you.