Getting Ready For Dental Implants To Replace Missing Teeth

A dental implant procedure can provide you with a natural looking tooth in the end. While it is going to take six to nine months for the process to be completed, you don't need to see your dentist all the time while your implant heals in place. Your dentist will place a small titanium rod in your jaw, which will become your synthetic tooth's root. Once the rod is secure in your mouth, a crown will attach to it and create a final tooth. It takes time for the implanted rod to fuse with your jaw bone, and there are a number of factors that can slow down the process. Your dentist will discuss ways to prevent an implant failure if you have any concerns.

Keeping the Implant in Place

Your implant will be placed in your mouth and then covered over with a few stitches. Your dentist might use a secondary piece of titanium that you can see in your mouth as the rod heals. While you can't just knock the rod out of place, it's important to listen to your dentist's instructions after the procedure is done. You can't smoke, as this will dry out your mouth and greatly increase your chances of an implant failure.

If You Have Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can indicate that you have early gum disease. Your dentist will make sure that your gums are healthy enough for dental implants before the process begins. When your gums are not healthy, they will not be able to heal after the surgery. You may need to spend time getting treatment for gum disease before you can be a candidate for dental implants.

Blood Sugar Control and Dental Implants

People who have diabetes and don't have blood sugar levels under control are not good candidates for dental implants. When you get control over your blood sugar, you have a better ability to heal after a procedure. While the dental implant surgery is a small one, your gums need to be able to heal effectively or the implant will fail. Talk to your dentist about optimal blood sugar levels to determine if you are a good candidate.

When you have good overall health, prepping for dental implants doesn't take much work. Your dentist will talk to you about ways to prevent an implant failure, and they will discuss the treatment schedule with you once you begin the process.


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