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Traditional bridges and dentures have been used for generations and are supported by decades of success. However, 500,000 Americans every year are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, you’ll require surgery to get dental implants. It’s normal to have concerns about the safety of the procedure, but there’s no need to worry. Dental implants are the most successful solution for tooth loss.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is unique from any other treatment because it mimics both the tooth root and the crown. A titanium implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as a new root. Your jaw will fuse to the post through a process called osseointegration. Once sufficient healing has occurred, an abutment is placed on the post to connect your customized restoration. This creates the next best thing to a natural tooth using a method that can last for decades.
Potential Concerning Health Conditions
Most patients with good oral and overall wellness are candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will learn more about your health history during your consultation to look for anything concerning. Certain health conditions or medical medications can complicate your procedure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from dental implants. Here are a few issues that might concern your dentist:
- Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, allergies, and other health conditions can cause slow healing, which can prevent your jaw from fusing with the post correctly.
- Medications: Some medications can also affect osseointegration, including heartburn pills. They can interfere with your body’s ability to process calcium.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis can decrease bone density, which can affect your jaw health.
- Chemotherapy or Radiation: Treatment of the head or neck using these methods can weaken your bone structure.
Possible Dental Issues
Your dentist will also examine your mouth and review a CT scan of your oral structures to look for anything concerning, like:
- Gum Disease: Your gums must be healthy before any dental procedure, including implants. With 50% of adults having a form of gum disease, don’t worry if you need treatment before replacing your tooth. Gum disease therapy will stop the infection in its tracks.
- Tooth Decay: If any remaining teeth have decay, you will require fillings before getting your dental implants.
- Bone Loss: Losing a single tooth can cause your jawbone to shrink by up to 25% within the first year. It will continue to deteriorate as time passes. If you’ve lost density in your jaw, you may require bone grafting before getting dental implants. This procedure will ensure your implant has the foundation it needs to succeed.
Your implant dentist will create a personalized plan to ensure the success of your procedure while keeping your safety their utmost priority.
About Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez
Dr. Sanchez earned her dental degree at the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and has completed additional training in general dentistry and dental implants. She is a proud member of the New York Dental Association and the American Dental Association. If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, request an appointment through her website or call her office at (646 444.8277.