3 Questions You May Have About Dental Implant Surgery
Posted on: 22 June 2018
You recently lost a tooth while playing contact sports with your friends. Because you don't want to go through life with a gap in your smile and deal with the consequences that that will have on your quality of life, you may be considering a dental implant to replace the lost tooth. Here are three questions that you may have.
How Do You Know If You're A Candidate?
One of the first questions that you may have regarding dental implant surgery is whether you are even a candidate. After all, not all individuals are eligible for receiving dental implants. Luckily, thanks to the advancement in technology, specifically bone grafting, more individuals are eligible for dental implants, especially those with bone loss issues.
The most important factors that make you eligible for dental implants include the current state of your jawbone structure (necessary to support the dental implant), the current state of your oral hygiene (especially your gums), and various lifestyle factors and health conditions (such as whether you smoke or have diabetes).
You will need to schedule a consultation with your dentist, at which time you will discuss the factors of your potential candidacy in more detail.
Can the Body Reject the Dental Implant?
It isn't common for the body to reject a dental implant. More often than not, implants are accepted by the jawbone. In the event that a rejected occurs, it is because of a titanium allergy, a patient's failure to follow post-op instructions, improper bites, and chronic health conditions.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes your medical history, in an attempt to foresee any potential problems. Therefore, it is critical that you are 100 percent transparent with your dentist about your medical history, your current health, and any medications that you are have taken previously and are currently taken. The more straightforward you are, the higher the chances of implant success.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The length of time that a dental implant will last will vary from patient to patient, and the information from studies vary greatly. There is research that says dental implants will last 10 to 15 years, while some experts say that implants can last decades, if not a lifetime, as long as they are properly cared for.
To ensure that your dental implant lasts as long as possible, engage in proper hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and watch what you eat and drink. For more tips on how to maintain long-lasting dental implants, talk to your dentist.
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