No More Natural Teeth: Deciding Between Implants and Dentures

Dental Implants: Why Your Health Matters When You Want To Restore Your Smile With Implants

by Jeremiah Barnett

Whether you have one missing tooth or you are tired of loose dentures, dental implant technology can be used to repair your smile. As long as you aren't a smoker and are in relatively good health, dental implants are an excellent option for you. When you have missing teeth and you are feeling self-conscious, dental implants are used to create a natural looking replacement that doesn't require special treatment once the work is finished. If you are ready to take the next step in your dental health, it's time to talk with your dentist about dental implants.

Smokers aren't Good Candidates for Dental Implants

The process of getting dental implants requires that your gums heal around the implant itself. The simple motion of smoking makes healing from this procedure difficult, and it was quickly discovered that smokers often had failed implants. Your gums need good circulation to heal, and smoking reduces the circulation throughout your body. If you want to get dental implants but you are a smoker, you will need to quit smoking first.

Diabetics Have to be Free of Periodontitis

While there was a time when people with diabetes could not receive dental implants, it has become more common for diabetics to have the procedure done. Periodontitis is gum disease that will prevent an individual from being able to get dental implants. Many diabetics suffer from gum disease, due to poor circulation in the gums and high blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic and want to get dental implants, you will need to get any gum disease you have under control. Dental implants fail in individuals who have gum disease.

You Can Create a Natural Smile

Once you are approved for dental implants, you should understand how they work. Your dentist will place a small titanium rod in your jaw that will fuse to your jaw bone. This small rod acts as a root for your new tooth. A crown will be created that will screw on the top of the rod, creating a natural looking tooth that will last a long time. Whether you are missing one tooth or several, your dentist can create a natural smile using this technology. In addition, implants can be used to create anchor points for fixed dentures, a choice many people make who are missing a large number of teeth.

When you are ready to restore your smile, it's time to talk with a local dentist, such as Aaron G Birch, DDS PC, about your options.

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