No one likes missing teeth. When it comes to tooth replacement, you have options. Whether you are considering dental implants for cosmetic reasons or functional reasons, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind before making your decision. Let the experts at GPS Dental walk you through some circumstances that might mean an implant isn’t the best replacement option for you.

Periodontal Disease

Simply put, you’re not a good candidate for dental implants if your gums aren’t healthy. Dental implants are connected through your gum tissue to the bones in your mouth. Unhealthy gums can result in your implants not properly fusing to the existing tissue in your mouth.

Related Read: The Best & Worst Parts of Getting Dental Implants

Bone Loss

Just as you need healthy gums for the implants to be placed, you need healthy bones under your gums in order for the implants to fuse properly. Significant bone loss in your body, regardless of the reason, negatively impacts the chances of dental implants working for you.

Smoking

Studies have shown that smokers have a higher failure rate with dental implants than non-smokers. Due to a higher rate of illness and infections in smokers, implants are less likely to be successful. A smoker wishing to receive dental implants should discuss their smoking habits with their dentist and look into their options regarding smoking cessation.

Uncontrolled Diabetes

Implants candidates having diabetes need to engage in an honest conversation with their dental provider when considering dental implants. Patients that have issues with controlling their diabetes have demonstrated a higher failure rate with dental implants. Uncontrolled diabetes can greatly impact the implant’s successful osseointegration, meaning the implant may not properly fuse with the gum tissue and bone.

Keep these factors in mind, but talk with your dentist before making any final decisions about tooth replacement. Your doctor can give you further information about the process, which can increase the likelihood of success with an implant, and help you come to the best decision for your unique situation.

Remember, there are many factors to consider when deciding if dental implants are right for you. Give GPS Dental a call today at (210) 633-3477 to schedule a consultation and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

The American Dental Association calls the development and use of implants, “one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years”.

When you lose a tooth and you need a replacement, dental implants are often considered the most discrete, natural-feeling option available. However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. It’s important to consider both the pros and the cons of dental implants before you decide on the best form of replacement for you. Luckily, GPS Dental breaks them down for you below.

The Great Things about Dental Implants

Of course we’ve noticed how losing and replacing a tooth can make our patients feel very self-conscious. The ideal solution looks and feels like a regular tooth, which is why dental implants are such a desirable choice.

A dental implant allows you to eat whatever you like, and caring for your new tooth is just the same as your natural teeth. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the learning curve of dentures; your implant won’t make noise or interrupt your speech the way other forms of replacement might.

Related Read: What I Wish I Knew Before I Got My Dentures

Not only do dental implants look and work like your natural teeth, but they also don’t influence or rely on other teeth for support. Unlike bridges, your dental implant is a stand alone tooth, with it’s own form of root and support, so other teeth aren’t stressed or shaped around the new tooth.

The Not-So-Great Parts

Unfortunately, there are some downsides to dental implants, and one of the most notable drawbacks is their price. Placing dental implants is a lengthy process, involving multiple visits which can be very expensive. Adding to that burden is the fact that many dental insurance plans don’t cover implants, so you might be paying for either part of or the entire process out of pocket.

Also worth mentioning is that the long, involved nature of dental implants means more time spent in your dentist’s office, sometimes undergoing surgery. Because bones heal very slowly, there will be additional time spent waiting for your jaw to heal between your initial surgery and the final visit.

Finally, like most artificial implants, your dental implant isn’t guaranteed to last forever. Over time, the crown of your implant may wear out and need to be replaced. If your implant isn’t properly cared for, bone loss can occur around the root of the implant, meaning you’ll need to repeat the entire process with a new, larger implant.

If you’re dealing with a missing tooth, you’ve got options. Even better, you’ve got the number of a dentist who can help you decide on the best option for you! Give GPS Dental a call at (210) 633-3477 to set up your appointment.