If you are looking for a solution for missing teeth, dental implants are a great option to consider. They are a natural looking solution and also a permanent solution. However, there are certain factors you need to consider before undergoing this procedure.
The dentist will carry out
A thorough assessment of your overall health before they decide on whether to place dental implants or not. Some of the factors they will consider will be existing medical conditions, any medications you are currently taking along with lifestyle choices that can affect the success of the dental implant. You need to be honest and clear when maintaining communication with dental professionals as they will need to understand the whole picture in order to decide whether this is the right procedure for you or not. The success of dental implants rests heavily on the health and density of your jawbone. This is because the implant is fused to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. And to achieve this, there has to be a sturdy foundation. Imaging tests such as CT scans and X-rays will be taken to understand the quality and quantity of your jawbone. If the bone density is not sufficient, additional procedures such as bone grafting will be recommended.
While there are so many benefits you can gain from this procedure,
You have to consider the cost of dental implants as well. There is a higher initial cost for dental implants compared to other options of tooth replacement. For example, bridges or dentures are more cost-effective. However, the long term cost benefit of dental implants is higher as they last t a long time. They will also last your entire lifespan as long as you maintain proper oral hygiene. Healthy gums are also required to ensure the longevity of the dental implants. This is what ensures the implant integrating seamlessly. If you have gum disease, this will need to be treated before the implant procedure is done. You will also need to go for regular dental check-ups to have a better understanding of the health of your gums, teeth and other oral structures.
There are certain lifestyle choices that can affect the success of the implant.
For example, smoking can be a risk factor and can lead to complications during the process and afterwards. This is because the natural healing ability of the body is impeded by nicotine as it restricts blood flow. You will be advised to stop smoking before the procedure and refrain from this in recovery. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also affect healing. An individualised assessment will be carried out to understand the effectiveness of dental implants compared to your oral health and concerns. You also need to commit to a strict oral hygiene routine at home which will include brushing, flossing and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. The health of the implant can be monitored through dental check-ups so that potential issues can be identified early and corrected. You need to have realistic expectations regarding the dental implant experience and this is something that you need to discuss with your dentist. They will help you understand the process, timeline for recovery and requirements for post-operative care.