Dental implants are highly regarded as one of the best modern ways to replace teeth, but are they right for you? The fact is that not everyone is a viable dental implant candidate; there are several factors that could prevent you from having the procedure done. However, many of these issues can be resolved with the right treatment! Below are 3 potential obstacles to dental implant placement and how they can be dealt with.
1. Gum Disease
Dental implant posts rely on the tissues in your gums and jawbone to hold them in place. But if you have gum disease, these essential tissues could be damaged, and your dental implants will be unstable as a result.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways gum disease can be treated. If your dentist or oral surgeon finds signs of gum disease, they can explain your options for addressing it. You can often get dental implants once your gum disease is under control.
2. Lack of Bone Density in the Jaw
One of the most important things that your dentist or oral surgeon will need to check during your initial implant consultation is the level of bone density in your jaw. You won’t be able to receive dental implant posts if there isn’t enough bone tissue to support them.
Unfortunately, it’s very common for the jaw to lose some of its bone density when teeth are lost. This is because the stimulation that the teeth provide is necessary for keeping the jawbone healthy and strong.
In many cases, bone loss can be reversed with a bone grafting procedure. Grafting material (usually bone tissue taken from elsewhere in your body) is applied to the deteriorated areas of the jaw, giving it enough length and width for dental implants to be placed.
3. Certain Health Conditions
There are certain health issues that can stop you from having dental implants placed. One major example is diabetes; when your body has trouble maintaining the right level of blood sugar, your natural healing processes might be slowed down, which can increase your risk for dental implant failure.
It should be noted that you can still be a candidate for dental implant surgery even if you have diabetes or another complicating health condition. Your dentist or oral surgeon will review your health history, consider your options for treatment, and help you put together a plan that addresses your specific needs.
Not every patient is a candidate for dental implants, but you’re not necessarily disqualified from having the procedure done even if you’re suffering from any of the issues listed above. Remember that you can always talk to your oral surgeon to see what steps you can take to make dental implant surgery a viable choice.
About the Practice
At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we have several oral surgeons under a single roof; all of them are very accomplished doctors who care about helping their patients improve and protect their oral health. In addition to placing dental implants, they also offer bone grafting that can be used to reverse bone loss. To schedule a consultation at our Alexandria office, visit our website or call (571) 777-6501.