If you'd like to have a dental treatment to replace a lost tooth, here are some signs that a dental implant could be a good option for you.
You lead a healthy lifestyle
If you lead a healthy lifestyle, then the chances of your dental implant treatment going well will be quite high, and as such, your dentist might agree to give you this treatment. The reason for this is that after dental implants are fitted, dentists will ask their patients to wait a few months before returning to have the permanent crowns attached. This is a critical time, during which the dental implant needs to successfully fuse with the bone on which it has been placed.
If a patient smokes, drinks heavily or has an extremely unhealthy diet that results in their inflammation levels being high and their nutrient levels being low, then the chances of this surgically-wounded gum healing, and the fusion of the bone and the implant occurring will be quite low and the wounded gum area could end up infected (which could also interfere with the fusion process).
However, if you eat lots of healthy food, don't smoke, get enough sleep and exercise a few times a week, it is very likely that your body's wounds heal quickly and that you're not prone to infections. Because of this, you'll probably find that any dental implant you get joins to the bone without any issues and will serve as a comfortable and safe long-term replacement for your lost tooth.
You want a low-maintenance replacement for your lost tooth
If you'd prefer a low-maintenance replacement for the tooth you've lost, then your dentist might suggest a dental implant. The reason for this is that although the treatment itself can take a few months, once it is finished, the implant only requires the same normal maintenance as your other teeth (i.e., daily brushing, flossing and bi-annual dental check-ups, etc.).
In contrast, if you were to get a partial denture, you would not only have to keep up with your usual dental hygiene routine for your real teeth but would also have to remove and wash this denture separately every day. You'd also need to soak it in a disinfecting solution each night. Finally, whilst dentures are quite robust, they're not as hardy as implants and so you may need to get your denture repaired occasionally, too. If you don't want this type of upkeep, an implant could be more suitable.
Everyone knows that dental checkups are important, but do you know how to make the most of your dental visits? From choosing the right dentist to suit your needs to asking important questions about your oral health, there is a lot that you can do to help your dentist protect your teeth.
Our posts give you all the information you need about common dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental fillings, dental implants, and treatments for gum disease. Take a look to find the information you need to take control of your dental health and keep your teeth strong and healthy.