After losing a tooth, the longer you go without a replacement, the more the bone degrades–making the area less suitable for an implant. In an ideal world, your dentist can extract a tooth and replace it with an implant in the same appointment; however, if you have advanced periodontal disease, you may need to let your gums heal first.
If you’re scheduled to have your tooth extracted, talk with your dentist about how soon you can get a dental implant in Clearwater, FL. They can also tell you what kind of treatment can make you eligible for implants if you aren’t a good candidate at the time of your appointment. Here are some things you may need to consider before you have that conversation.
You Must Have Sufficient Bone Density For an Implant
When you receive a dental implant, the post anchoring the crown into your jaw needs a strong foundation. If the bone in your jaw has degraded, the implant has less to grab onto. Unfortunately, the later stages of gum disease are often associated with bone loss. If you’ve been suffering from Periodontal disease for a while, you may have to get a bone graft before your jaw can support an implant.
How Does Gum Disease Cause Bone Loss?
As gum disease progresses, the bacteria in your mouth get a stronger and stronger hold on your teeth and gums. In the beginning, bacteria form plaque when they interact with certain foods. This sticky substance is easily removed with regular tooth brushing. If it isn’t removed, it forms into a harder substance called tartar.
Tartar collects at the gum line, creating a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. As bacteria continue to multiply, the gums become inflamed and recede. The gums pulling away from the surface of the tooth creates little divots where food particles and bacteria can better attack the sensitive roots of the teeth. This creates what we call periodontal pockets.
All the while, these bacteria are decaying the teeth and attacking the bone that holds them in place. Constant infection and inflammation lead to permanent damage, as your gums and bones cannot regenerate themselves.
After Advanced Periodontal Disease, You May Need a Different Option
Your dentist can talk with you about bone grafting if you wish to undo some of the damage that has destabilized your jaw. If you aren’t a candidate for this kind of surgery, or if you would like to look at other options, there are other, less-invasive restorations available.
Ask your dentist about bridges and full and partial dentures, too.
Dental Implants Have a High Success Rate
If your dentist decides that you’re an ideal candidate for implants, you can rest easy knowing that most recipients enjoy a long and happy life with them. Research published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) shows a 90 to 95 percent success rate. If the implant is placed immediately after extraction, your chances could be even higher, according to NIH studies.
According to research, the factors that contribute to an implant failure include:
- The patient’s age
- Length of the implant
- Diameter of the implant
- Location of the implant
- Bone quality
Choose a dentist you trust to explain the risks and benefits. When your dentist knows your dental history well, they can help you make an informed decision about your options.
Choose Beyond Dentistry for Dental Implants in Clearwater, FL
Did you recently have a tooth extracted? Or, are you on the schedule and looking into your options? At Beyond Dentistry, we can guide you through your next steps. We want to give your implants the best shot at long-term success, so you can enjoy the smile of your dreams for as long as possible. To schedule an appointment, call 727-605-4208 today.
