Dental implants are considered by many to be the best tooth replacement option available. There are several reasons why – tooth implants are permanent, they don't slip or slide in the mouth, and they allow the patient to maintain a normal diet. Tooth implants also have a great success rate – as high as 98%. However, there is always the chance of implant failure, and certain things can make implant failure more likely for some patients than others. Take a look at a few things that can affect the success of your dental implants and what you can do about it.
Do you grind your teeth at night when you sleep? Tooth grinding can be very detrimental to the success of dental implants. Patients who suffer from bruxism – the medical term for tooth grinding – can unintentionally drive the new implant far into the gum line, actually causing damage to the jaw.
If you suffer from bruxism, your dentist will probably want to get the condition under control before attempting a dental implant. There are several treatments available for tooth grinders, the most common of which is a mouth guard that prevents you from grinding. In more severe cases, a dentist may also recommend medication for the condition. With treatment, you may be able to break the habit, which would make you a better candidate for dental implants.
Smokers face additional risks with any surgery, and dental implant surgery is no exception. The chemicals in cigarettes delay wound healing and can increase your risk of infection, either of which will make your implants more likely to fail.
If you're a smoker, your dentist may recommend that you quit for a certain period of time before and after the surgery, to allow your body the best chance to heal. Or, better yet, you could quit for good. Your dentist or physician can fill you in on the smoking cessation options and services that may be able to help you kick the habit so that you can get your dental implants with less risk.
Certain medications that you may be taking can also affect the success of your dental implants. Specifically, drugs intended to treat osteoporosis can create problems with dental implants. That's because these medications are intended to prevent bones from breaking down. However, when you get implants, the titanium root has to be implanted into your jaw bone, and the bone has to grow into the implant. This is called resorbption. Certain osteoporosis drugs interfere with the resorbption process.
It's important that you tell your dentist about any pre-existing conditions you have and any medications you may be taking. You may still be a candidate for dental implants – for example, if you take osteoporosis medications orally rather than intravenously, you may be less likely to experience complications. Either way, your dentist needs to be familiar with your medical history in order to decide on the proper course of treatment for you.
Talk to a local dentist, such as Bruce Mathes DDS, about the risk factors that you have when it comes to dental implants. Many risks can be addressed ahead of time so that you can still get implants, and you'll be less likely to experience implant failure after the surgery.
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