Losing a tooth is stressful, but having it replaced shouldn’t be agonizing. Modern breakthroughs in dental technology like dental implants have made replacing a missing tooth more convenient. Talk to your dentist to find out if implants are for you.
Dealing with tooth loss? Forget partial dentures and dental bridges as they offer temporary solutions. With modern times come modern solutions and dental implants offer a potential lifetime solution. If your dental professional recommends dental implants to you, you are likely a good candidate for the treatment. This is the first part of the equation. In order to reap the benefits, you need to be aware of the potential causes of dental implant failure.
A few decades ago, replacing lost teeth often resulted in less than ideal replacements in the form of dentures and bridges. These fixes can provide temporary relief for a couple of years but will need delicate care and maintenance. No matter how well dentures are maintained, they only work for an average of seven to ten years. Meanwhile, dental bridges offer better support and can last a bit longer. However, like dentures, dental bridges on average last up to ten years before needing a replacement.
Dental implants offer a better, more modern way to replace teeth. They provide a more permanent, natural-looking, and stronger solution compared to the traditional method of dentures and bridges. In addition, dental implants help retain the shape of the face and promote jaw bone growth. This helps make implants look much better and more natural when in place.
Losing a tooth (or teeth) doesn’t automatically qualify a person for dental implants. There are a number of considerations to look into before your dentist clears you for this procedure. In order to avoid dental implant failure, it’s best to take some time to learn more about what makes a great dental implant candidate.
THE AGONY OF LOSING A TOOTH
Losing teeth doesn't only result from a sudden injury as one might assume. Tooth loss can also occur in a much slower way. Periodontal disease affects the tissue bed where your teeth lie, accounting for 70% of tooth loss among adults. Other causes include cavities, where your teeth slowly decay due to bacterial growth, or excessive smoking, diabetes, or other infection.
Importantly, tooth loss is not just an issue of decreased physical appearance or loss of confidence. They can cause adverse health effects if not properly addressed. Losing teeth can affect the contours of the face in the lower jaw area, and can lead to other serious problems. Your gums and jawbone work best when working with a complete set of teeth, which stimulates the gums and bone surrounding it. The absence of a single tooth reduces the stimulating effect on the gums, which then gradually decrease in mass. The jawbone also works the same. The bone decreases in density and in size in the area where it misses a tooth.
In addition, missing teeth can cause low chewing performance when eating, which leads to swallowing larger and less-chewed portions leading to digestive discomfort. Also, missing teeth can cause speaking difficulties depending on the location of missing teeth.
REPLACING MISSING TEETH
While dentures and bridges help provide a replacement tooth, they do not address the underlying problems of bone and gum loss. In fact, some dentures can aggravate gum and bone density loss, especially when the fit loosens over time.
Dental implants protect facial bones and promote healthy teeth by filling gaps caused by missing teeth. Leaving gaps in your mouth after losing teeth can lead to health issues including jawbone deterioration.
For prospective dental implant candidates, it’s important to know the cause of tooth loss. This ensures that whatever underlying cause that led to tooth loss won’t also result in dental implant failure.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots installed in or on the jaw to serve as holders for a replacement tooth or bridge. However, they’re not for everybody. A qualified dental professional should perform a thorough examination of the patient’s oral condition before deciding to go through with this procedure.
AVOIDING DENTAL IMPLANT FAILURE
To avoid dental implant failure, get your dentist to give the all-clear before proceeding.
The patient’s oral and overall health plays an important role in determining a great dental implant candidate.
Below is a quick checklist to consider before considering dental implants:
PERIODONTAL DISEASES
Candidates suffering from periodontal infection or inflammation will require treatment before being considered for dental implants. Gum disease, a common form of periodontal disease, can compromise dental implants as remaining bacteria can attack bones around implants. To qualify for a dental implant, you’ll need your dentist to clear you from any existing periodontal conditions.
PRESCRIPTIONS AND MEDICATIONS
Certain medications can interfere with your clinician’s ability to provide you with dental implants. Patients taking steroids, immunosuppressants, and other drugs should notify their dental professional and secure approval prior.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT DENTAL IMPLANT CANDIDATE?
In summary, a great dental implant candidate should possess the following qualities in order to avoid dental implant failure:
-Adulthood
-Good overall health
-Great oral health, free from gum disease
-No conflicting prescriptions and medication
-Be tobacco-free
-Are free from damaging habits like grinding teeth
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS WITH YOUR DENTIST
Losing a tooth is stressful, but having it replaced shouldn’t be agonizing. Modern breakthroughs in dental technology like dental implants have made replacing a missing tooth more convenient. Talk to your dentist to find out if implants are for you.
Sterngold Dental believes in improving a patient’s quality of life through affordability, access, and quality. Refer Sterngold.com to your doctor to help in finding quality and affordable implant options.
