If you’re missing a few teeth, odds are you’re sick of it. You’re tired of not getting to enjoy your favorite chewy or crunchy foods. You’re tired of hiding your mouth behind your hand when you laugh because you don’t want anyone to see the gaps in your smile. You’re tired of not having the confidence that you used to have. Fortunately, you can fix all of those problems with dental implants in DeSoto – the artificial tooth roots that are topped with lifelike restorations like crowns. They provide a whole host of benefits, from protecting your jawbone to looking completely natural. But how can you decide if they’re the right choice for you? Let’s look at a few factors to consider.
Jawbone Health
Dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone. Then, over a period of a few months, the jawbone actually grows around the implants, fusing to the bone in a process called osseointegration. However, if you do not have adequate jawbone available to grow around the implant, the osseointegration could be a failure. Dental implant failure means that your dentist in DeSoto will have to remove the implant, and all the cost and preparation of the implant will have been for nothing.
If your dentist determines that you don’t have sufficient jawbone, don’t worry. They can simply perform a bone graft, where they remove bone from somewhere else in your body and transfer it to your jawbone. This process usually takes a few months to fully heal, so it will have to delay getting your implant. However, it will significantly decrease the chance of implant failure.
Overall Health
As long as you’re in good general health, getting dental implants will be generally be no problem. If, on the other hand, you have certain medical conditions, there could be an issue. Autoimmune conditions like diabetes could interfere with your ability to heal from the implant procedure. Diseases like HIV/AIDS might make your body not agree with the implant. When in doubt, ask your doctor if your health condition would make getting a dental implant more difficult.
Dental Health
Implants will become intimately acquainted with your gums, so it’s crucial that your gums are in good health before a dental implant procedure can begin. Since your mouth will be sore and likely unable to receive dental work for a few days following the surgery, it’s important that you get those issues, like cavities or gum disease, dealt with before your procedure.
Dental implants are a great way to restore the look, feel, and function of your smile. Find out if they’re right for you by scheduling a consultation with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Suzanne Najjar earned her dental doctorate at Nova Southeastern University. She has also undergone extensive dental implant training at the Advanced Dental Implant Research and Implant Center, one of the world’s leading dental implant institutions. She is a proud member of both the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. To book an appointment to see if dental implants are right for you, contact Dr. Najjar at (972) 230-1100.