Implants are among the most recommended treatment options for patients with missing teeth. However, not everyone can benefit from dental implants right away. Patients need to have a healthy mouth and strong jaw to successfully get dental implants in Fullerton, CA. Before starting treatment, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth to determine if you’re eligible for implant dentistry. If you aren’t, you may be able to improve your chances of success with pretreatment.
What Prevents Dental Implants in Fullerton, CA
When you lose a tooth, quick restoration is often crucial to keep your oral health high. However, tooth loss can also create some additional problems in your mouth. If you have disease, decay, or other dental conditions, you may need to seek additional treatment before getting an implant. Your dentist will work with you and local specialists as needed to coordinate your treatment for a quick and successful procedure.
Gum Disease
One of the main blocks of dental implants is gum disease. Even if you don’t have gum issues near the missing tooth, the disease can spread quickly. Gum disease could negatively affect your implant and cause it to fail. It can also increase the chances of experiencing pain or discomfort during and after surgery. Because of the high risk of failure with gum disease, you’ll likely need periodontal therapy before getting an implant.
Bone Density Loss
Our teeth are securely connected to our jaws via bone, nerves, and blood vessels. When you lose a tooth, especially unexpectedly, it’s natural for your jaw to suffer as well. The longer a tooth is missing, the more likely you are to experience loss of bone density. Dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone. The titanium posts integrate with your bone to provide a support structure similar to your tooth’s root. However, if you do not have enough bone density, it can be difficult for the implant to properly integrate.
Patients with bone density loss can experience pain and discomfort during treatment. They may also suffer from a loose implant. Implants could even fall out. Therefore, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting appointment to help restore your jaw before treatment.
Smoking
Smoking, in general, can negatively affect your oral health. But it’s particularly damaging for an implant. The harmful chemicals in a cigar or cigarette can impact your implant and gums, leading to an increased risk of failure. The sucking motion of smoking can also loosen your implant or cause it to fall out. The implant process typically takes a few months to complete. For that reason, patients should try to stop smoking a few weeks prior to their appointment. The sooner you quit, the easier it could be to go through recovery without smoking.
If you’re missing a tooth, dental implants could be the best restoration option. Call us today at (714) 888-7008 to schedule a consultation and see if implant dentistry is right for you. If not, we offer a wide range of restoration options that could help restore your bite.