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Are
Implants Right For Me?
Are dental implants
right for you?
Dental implant surgery is often the best
choice to replace missing teeth.
Not only does it restore the function of
your tooth, but it helps decrease bone
deterioration.
Getting dental implants involves
surgically placing the implant into the
jawbone. The implant serves as a sturdy
foundation for a replacement tooth,
which is usually a crown. Although there
are benefits of dental implants, how do
you know if you the procedure is right
for you?
DENTAL IMPLANT INTERFERENCE
Certain chronic medical or dental
conditions may make dental implant
surgery a little riskier, but it may
still be possible. A few important
factors a dentist considers before
implant surgery is the condition of the
patient’s gums and bone level.
“Healthy gum tissues are necessary for
the successful placement of dental
implants. A patient must also have
sufficient bone to support the implant,
and if he or she does not, there are
often a number of ways to correct bone
deficiency.
In some instances, if a patient does not
have enough bone to work with, certain
procedures can be performed, such as a
bone graft, ridge expansion or sinus
lift. According to the American Academy
of Implant Dentistry, all three
procedures are done in order to increase
bone volume, which allows dental implant
surgery to be performed.
Poor bone density levels may also be a
factor. Patients who have poorly
controlled diabetes, and those
undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
therapy need to be evaluated by their
doctor on an individual basis.
Heavy smokers and those taking
immunosuppressive drugs for severe
rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions
may also be poor candidates for implants
and should check with their physicians.
PREVENTING AN IMPLANT FROM FAILING
According to the American Academy of
Osseointegration, dental implants have a
90 percent success rate. Although
implants have a high success rate, they
still will occasionally fail, which is
something to keep in mind when
considering dental implant surgery.
Normally, when the implant is
surgically placed into the jawbone, it
integrates into the bone, which means
the implant attaches to the bone.
Although most of the time, this
attachment occurs without issue, an
implant can be unsuccessful if it does
not join properly with the bone. The
implant may fail to join due to
infection, poor placement or underlying
health conditions.
Patients may not always be able to
prevent the implant from failing, but
there are a few things they can do to
increase their chances of a successful
outcome. First and foremost, implants
need to be cared for during the recovery
process and after the crown has been
placed.
Maintaining a healthy hygiene level,
which includes regular continuing care
visits with your dentist, is important
for the success of an implant.
RECOVERY FROM DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY
Although it varies, it often takes about
two to four months for the bone to heal
after surgery, according to the American
Academy of Osseointegration.
In most cases, patients resume normal
activities in a day or two after the
initial surgery and during the
bone-healing process.
After the implant has fused with the
bone, the next step involves placing a
post called an abutment into the gum,
which then attaches to the implant.
The gum is also given time to heal
before the final stage of the dental
implant process occurs, which is
attaching the crown.
In a large number of cases, recovery is
usually very easy. With good oral
hygiene, most patients heal fully in
four to six months.
NEXT STEPS
Become educated on the process. Dental
implants are different from other types
of tooth replacement. Understanding the
process can help you determine if it is
your best option.
Quit smoking, as it can affect success
of an implant.
Follow post-op instructions, such as
applying ice and taking antibiotics if
advised.
Maintain good oral hygiene. Dental
implants will not develop cavities, but
gum disease can still occur and affect
the implant.
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