Dental implants, a common and popular method of tooth restoration, is a treatment that involves an implant dentist placing a small titanium support directly into the patient’s gum tissue. Over time the titanium will bond with the jawbone to replace the tooth root and provide strength and support to the prosthetic tooth.
When evaluating a patient for suitability for dental implants, the implant dentist will take into account the state of the patient’s general health as some health conditions can compromise the chances of success of the treatment.
Diabetes, gum disease and osteoporosis can all lessen the likelihood of successful dental implant treatment, although none will exclude a patient from being a candidate. Diabetes can be controlled; while gum disease is treatable by the dentist, and once treated, the chances of a successful implant procedure are raised.
Smokers may suffer an increased risk of implant failure. The nicotine in tobacco has been proven to slow the healing process, which in turn can lead to implants failing to properly bond with the jaw bone, as well as potentially causing gum and bone recession.
Patients who suffer from, or have a history of bruxism – where the patient clenches or grinds their teeth – might also be doing their chances of implant success no favors. Bruxism causes excessive force and pressure to be applied to the teeth, which in turn can lead to dental implants failing to properly heal, or to shift and fail to properly bond with the bone.
Patients with concerns about their health – oral and general – who are considering implant treatment should discuss their reservations and chances of a successful procedure with their implant dentist. While most dental implant treatments are successful, there is always a risk of failure, regardless of the health of the patient.
However, by being informed of, and understanding the health of the patient, the dentist can take steps to ensure the best possible chance of implant treatment success. Contact the office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega for an implant consultation. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
