Missing teeth can adversely affect your oral health and the appearance of your smile. If you have missing teeth, consider visiting a cosmetic dentist near Newton to discuss dental implants. Dental implants are permanently anchored to the jawbone, just like natural teeth. They provide a stable and aesthetically pleasing option for patients who are interested in replacing missing teeth. Consider bringing a list of your questions to your consult with the dentist.
Is a Dental Implant Right for Me?
Many people are great candidates for dental implants, but only your dentist can tell you if you are. To determine this, you’ll undergo a thorough oral examination and you may need to have dental X-rays taken. The dentist will ask you about your health habits, such as whether you smoke and whether you maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. You’ll also be asked about your underlying medical conditions. Dental implants might not necessarily be appropriate for some patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Those who are pregnant might be advised to wait to receive dental implants.
Why Is Smoking Detrimental to Implants?
Smoking is a serious concern for oral health for many reasons. Regarding dental implants, smoking is detrimental because it inhibits the healing process. The hot temperature of the smoke can inflict damage on the salivary glands and burn the oral cavity. Smoking also promotes the growth of bacteria, while suppressing the healing process by inhibiting the healthy flow of blood to the soft tissues and adversely affecting the immune response. In short, smoking greatly increases the risk of dental implant failure.
What’s Involved with the Process?
You should always know exactly what’s involved with any procedure before moving forward with it. Generally, placing dental implants requires two or more procedures spaced out over time. The dentist may need to extract one or more teeth before placing one or more implants directly into the jawbone. Then, the area is left to heal for a few months. When the bone has fused to the implant properly, the dentist can place an abutment on top, followed by a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
