If you have faced tooth loss of one or more teeth, you have probably considered replacement. Maybe you already have replaced the tooth, but you are considering a permanent replacement via a dental implant. A dental implant can replace the roots of a missing tooth to give long-lasting stability to your smile. Implants can support a crown, dentures, or a bridge. However, there are some situations that can make it so your smile is not eligible for a dental implant. Most of these situations can be addressed, but you will need to talk to your dentist about what needs to happen to get your smile to its healthiest state. The issues below are some situations that may need to be addressed before your smile is eligible for a dental implant.
Jawbone Deterioration
If your jawbone is not in exceptional condition, it may not be ready to support a dental implant. Tooth loss can affect the bone density of your jaw through a process known as bone resorption. To fortify the jawbone, bone grafting may need to be done prior to the placement of the implant.
Your Smile Is Too Young
Dental implants cannot be placed in tissue that is still changing and growing. Typically, a jawbone can continue to develop well into your twenties, which makes this issue one that is decided on an individual basis based on the development of your jaw tissue.
Periodontitis or Other Issues
Gum disease can make placing an implant problematic. Advanced gum disease or periodontitis can lead to the deterioration of your jawbone, which may have lead to the tooth loss in the first place. Before an implant can be place, the gum disease will need to be managed. In some situations, bone grafting may also be required to strengthen any area that may have been affected by the gum disease.
Is an Implant Right for Your Smile?
Most issues that may affect your implant eligibility can be addressed. To schedule a consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.