Are you thinking of getting dental implants to fill in the gaps in your smile? If so, it’s important to remember that not everyone is a candidate for the treatment; there are certain issues that could potentially disqualify you. Below is a brief look at 3 factors that could stop you from having dental implants placed – as well as what you might be able to do about them.
1. Gum Disease
Dental implant failure is rare, but when it does occur, it is often the result of some form of gum disease. Implant posts rely on healthy gum and bone tissue to support them. But if you have gum disease, these tissues will weaken over time, ultimately causing the implant posts to come loose.
Fortunately, it’s often possible to have dental implants placed once gum disease has been properly treated. If your dentist finds signs of gum disease, they will make a point of addressing it before they move forward with the process of replacing your missing teeth from the roots up.
2. Bone Loss
Bone loss often occurs in the jaw after teeth have been missing for a long time. This is an issue because dental implant posts need to be able to form a bond with your jaw, which might not happen if there isn’t enough bone present.
In many cases, bone loss can be corrected with a bone graft. Thanks to this procedure, bone tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your body and used to rebuild the parts of the jaw where bone is lacking. Your dentist can help you determine whether bone grafting is necessary to become a dental implant candidate.
3. Specific Health Issues
Your overall health matters when it comes to getting dental implants. Certain medical issues might interfere with your body’s ability to join with and support dental implant posts. Diabetes is a common example, as it can slow down the healing process after dental implant placement; it can also increase the chances of suffering from a gum infection that could put your dental implants at risk.
During your initial dental implant consultation, your dentist will look over your medical history and ask about the current state of your health. If there are any issues that might affect your ability to get dental implants, they will let you know what your next steps should be.
At the end of the day, the only way to know for sure whether you’re a dental implant candidate is to speak with your dentist. Reach out to your dental practice today if you’re ready to schedule a dental implant consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Mears is a graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He has received advanced training in dental implants along with many other dental fields. His Arnold practice, JL Dental, offers start-to-finish dental implant placement. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mears, visit his website or call (636) 464-6668.