Whenever you get any kind of invasive dental procedure, your dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy before treatment. Dental implants in Towson, MD, can have a higher chance of failing if you have decay, damage, or disease. After examining your mouth, your dentist may recommend additional treatment prior to surgical placement. These pre-treatment options can help ensure your oral and physical health is in good standing so that you can have a greater chance of success with your implant.
Commonly Recommended Pre-Treatment for Dental Implants in Towson, MD
Dental implants require surgery that uses a local anesthetic. The first thing your dentist will check is that you are medically cleared for this procedure. Patients who take certain medications, such as blood thinners or to support bone health, may not be able to undergo surgery or have a successful appointment. Good medical health is crucial to help reduce pain and discomfort both during surgery and in the healing phase afterward.
Periodontal Therapy
One of the leading causes of a failed implant is gum disease. When the gums aren’t healthy, patients have a higher chance of experiencing pain and discomfort when getting an implant. Gum disease can also affect the implant itself, causing it to fail or fall out. If you do have gum disease, you may still be able to get an implant. Periodontal therapy can help clear and remove the infected tissue, strengthening your gums. If treatment is a success, patients can expect a greater chance of being cleared for implant dentistry.
Bone Grafting
Dental implants need a strong and healthy jaw to properly integrate with. If you have suffered bone loss, there may not be enough bone density for the implant to integrate. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get an implant. Dentists can perform bone grafting treatment to help build up the bone in your jaw to support the implant. Bone grafting can take a few weeks to fully heal. But if it’s successful, you may be able to get a dental implant.
Lifestyle and Habit Changes
Although it’s not an official treatment, your dentist may also recommend some changes to your lifestyle and habits to help improve the chances of a successful implant. Smoking can be a major roadblock in the dental implant process. The harmful chemicals in a cigarette or cigar negatively affect the materials of the implant. And the sucking motion caused by smoking may impact the surgical site, leading to a failure in integration. Because the implant process can take a few months, it’s recommended that patients stop smoking a few weeks before their appointment. This can help make the healing process smoother and with fewer complications.
If you’re missing a tooth, the sooner you act, the better. At Sweet Tooth Dentistry, we coordinate with a local oral surgeon for implant placement and then restore your implant to complete the process. Call us today at 410-449-7656 to schedule a consultation and learn more about implant dentistry.