For patients who’ve lost one or more teeth, dental implants are often the most comprehensive solution to replacing them. Implants are small posts that are inserted into your jawbone. The posts act as prosthetic roots that support a dental crown, bridge, or denture in the same way roots support your natural teeth. However, while most people can receive dental implants, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of qualifying for implant placement, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve lost teeth.
Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
Tobacco use in all forms is a danger to your oral and overall health, and quitting should be the goal of everyone who uses it. Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, the hundreds of harmful chemicals (including many that cause cancer) can wreak havoc with the health and integrity of your oral tissues and structures. If you’ve already lost teeth, then tobacco use can make implant placement difficult, and even increase your risks of losing more teeth.
Treat gum disease, if you have it.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the most prevalent cause of adult tooth loss. If it’s the reason why you’ve lost teeth, then the first step to repairing your smile will have to be treating it. Otherwise, the infection in your gums and jawbone can cause dental implants to fail by eroding the structures that support them. Gum disease can also weaken your jawbone, and in severe cases, you may require jawbone grafting to strengthen it before you can receive dental implants.
Learn if You Qualify for Dental Implants
If you qualify, then dental implants can be your best option for rebuilding your smile and preserving the long-term health and integrity of your smile! To find out if you qualify for implants, schedule a consultation by calling Just Wright Dental in Corsicana, TX, today by calling (903) 225-2221.