Patients with inadequate or unhealthy jawbones are not ideal candidates for dental implant treatment. However, your dentist may recommend bone grafting as a necessary pre-treatment to ensure the success of the dental implant procedure.
The following can also lead to procedural concerns and dental implant failure:
- Smoking and tobacco use – Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to heal and affects osseointegration, the process through which the dental implant and bone tissue fuse and stabilize the implant. Smoking and using tobacco puts you at a higher risk of implant failure and infections. We encourage you to speak with your dentist about abstention if you’re a smoker and are still interested in dental implants.
- Gum disease – Untreated or severe gum disease deteriorates bone and gum tissue, making it riskier to receive dental implants. If you have gum disease, your dentist in Saratoga can discuss your options. You might only be suitable for dental implants once your gum disease is under control.
- General health – The dental implant process is multifaceted and spans several months, including surgery. Patients must be in good physical health to undergo implant surgery.
- Diabetes – Diabetes affects your body’s healing process, so recovering from dental implant surgery may be challenging. If you have diabetes, please consult your general practitioner and dentist before considering dental implants.
- Medications – Certain medications, like steroids, bisphosphonates, and blood thinners, can affect a patient’s candidacy for dental implants. After considering the associated risks, your dentist will discuss the qualification criteria and determine whether we can adjust or postpone medications.
Call Us about Dental Implants in Saratoga
Nicole E Pagonis, DDS, can help restore your smile to its former glory with high-quality tooth replacements. We’d love to speak with you about your treatment options!