Dental implants have grown in popularity in recent years. When some suffers from tooth loss, this procedure will see a titanium screw that replaces a missing tooth root, which will then support a false tooth, such as a crown. An implant is a great alternative to dentures if the person is looking for a more permanent solution that won’t slip or make noise.
However, this can be a big procedure to undergo, especially if you require pre-implant procedures. Your dentist will usually discuss this procedure in great detail before bringing you in for a consultation, but it is essential to understand what you should consider before making this decision.
If you think dental implants might be a good option for you, you should read this post to learn the four aspects to consider before going ahead.
Your Overall Health
Like many major medical procedures, the health of the patient must be considered before going ahead. This is no different for dental implants. Your candidacy for this procedure will be determined by assessing the condition of your gums, jawbone, and teeth to guarantee good health and suitability. Your dentist will likely address bone loss, gum disease, or any other underlying dental problems before proceeding.
According to Breckenridge Family Dental – Trusted Dentist in Breckenridge, CO, a good candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health and no signs of gum disease. These factors can affect the success of the procedure as well as how long it will take to heal and how long the dental implant(s) will last. For example, active gum disease could increase the risk of infection, while smoking can increase the risk of gum disease.
The Condition of Your Jawbone
Although many people imagine their jawbone is sturdy, it can become too soft or might not be thick enough for the procedure. Some individuals will require bone grafting before undergoing dental implant surgery. This is an important factor to consider as the action of chewing can put stress on your jawbone, especially when tooth loss causes the jawbone to resorb or shrink.
When determining the condition of a jawbone, dentists will look at the bone density, bone pressure, bone quality, and bone volume. Some scans, like a CBCT scan, will be needed to understand these aspects. Sufficient bone density and volume is needed to create a solid foundation for the dental implant(s). If your jawbone is not strong enough, this will impact how stable the implant is.
The Treatment Plan
Based on the assessments of your overall heath and the condition of your jawbone, the dentist will develop a customized treatment plan just for you. This treatment plan will outline how many implants are needed, the type of restoration, such as bridge, crown, or denture, and if any additional dental procedures are required, like bone grafting. Unsurprisingly, this treatment plan is a vital aspect of the entire procedure as it will affect the outcome.
The Healing Time
Due to the length of time it could take to heal after the procedure, it essential that possible patients understand the stages of healing and the time it takes. Simply put, it can take between six months and a year until dental implants are fully healed. This will be extended if you require pre-implant procedures, like bone grafts or sinus lifts, as these will need to heal before going ahead with the implants. Both of these pre-implant procedures can take up to one hear to heal properly.
After the dental implant surgery has been completed, you must maintain good oral hygiene to ensure the healing goes ahead without issue. Your dentist will advise you on how to care for the implants straight after the procedure and long-term.
If you wish to begin discussing dental implants with your dentist, then it is crucial that you understand what this type of procedure will require. The four aspects mentioned in this post are vital considerations to remember.
