Let’s start with the bottom line: If you have missing teeth, you need to replace them.
You don’t just need your smile to look better for pictures; you also need to address the health concerns that arise when you’re missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to an accident, injury, or disease, that space in your mouth can trap food and bacteria, leading to a greater chance of infection and gum disease.
And when your tooth root is gone, the density of your jawbone weakens. Left unaddressed, this can eventually lead to more tooth loss.
So, what should you do about your missing teeth? The gold standard for tooth replacement is a dental implant, which consists of a titanium screw installed into your jawbone with a crown on top of it that both looks and functions like your natural tooth.
Not everyone, though, is a good candidate for this treatment. Based on our experience treating patients here at Portrait Dental, here are a few characteristics that make you a candidate for dental implants.
If you have active gum disease or infections around your teeth and gums, the stability of an implant may be compromised. Your oral health must be in good condition for lasting implant results.
The titanium implant is anchored directly in your jawbone, so you must have enough jawbone density and volume to support the post. If your jawbone is insufficient, we may complete a bone graft to rebuild lost bone and build a strong foundation.
Both your oral hygiene and lifestyle choices must be healthy for implants to work. To keep your teeth in good shape, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist every six months for a cleaning. If you don’t do this, an infection could cause major problems with your implant.
Lifestyle habits are important as well. Smoking and using tobacco products, for instance, reduce the flow of blood to your gums and jawbone, which can inhibit healing and decrease the chance of implant success.
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, antidepressants, and blood thinners, can also reduce your chances of implant success. If you are prescribed these medications, talk with your doctor and your dentist to determine the best path for you.
When you’re ready to begin the implant process, Dr. Minh Nguyen and our team at Portrait Dental are here to restore your smile and your oral health. Call our Katy office to schedule an appointment or book your own time with our online scheduler.
