Dental implants are a fantastic way to reinvigorate you smile. Plus given proper care and maintenance they can last you for your whole life. That being said, some people run into issues during the healing process, either the healing process takes to long or the implant is rejected.
While this is a relatively rare occurrence given that only 3-5% of dental implants are rejected by the body, you do not want to fall into that minority. The key to a successful implant lies in the healing process. Here are some common issues that you should watch out for which can prolong the healing process.
Blood Flow and the Gums
Healthy gums are integral to the success of a dental implants. This is due to the fact that nutrients are delivered to your implants and teeth alike through the gums via the bloodstream. When you smoke, you actually reduce the flow of blood through the gums, which is one of the reasons why smokers are more susceptible to gum disease.
Reduced blood flow to dental implants prolongs the healing process and can ultimately result in the loss of the implant. For this reason it is recommended that you not only quit smoking during the healing process (roughly 3 to 6 months) but also 12 months prior to your procedure. This will ensure that the blood circulation is somewhat normalized.
Dental implants are generally not recommended for those who are having difficulty managing their diabetes. This largely due to the fact that diabetes constricts and narrows the capillaries to key parts of the body, including the gums. After your diabetes is back under control then dental implants should heal normally.
Bone Issues
For dental implants to successfully heal, the bone from your jaw must grow around the implant itself. This process is commonly called osseointegration. There are a number of factors that can delay this process, such as infection. This is particularly true if you have lost a tooth due to infection or gum disease. Bacteria can enter the bone surrounding the implant and cause the body to reject it. It is recommended that you take antibiotics if you feel that your implant is susceptible to infection. Ideally, you should wait a few months after the tooth is extracted so that your mouth can be fully rid of any infectious bacteria.
Typically it takes about one and a half weeks for your gums to grow around your new dental implant. However, the bone takes much longer to grow. It is important that you minimize any exertion to the implant. Even after the bone has fully healed, the implant is susceptible to shear forces, such as tugging and pulling.
Your teeth are a little more flexible because they are not exactly adhered to the bone, but rather a tough flexible membrane. This also allows those areas of the jaw to heal any damage that may occur to the bone. Because dental implants are not attached to that membrane they are not as flexible, and any damage to the bone is permanent.
A Great Option
Dental implants are a great alternative to dentures. Not only do they fit great, but they also open a lot of food options that you do not get with dentures. Do not let the healing process frighten you. Your dentist will show you the proper techniques for cleaning to ensure that you do not agitate your new dental implant.
Dental implants have been historically very successful in restoring people’s smiles. Why wait? If you live in the Savannah area and are interested in dental implants, or just have any questions, please visit our dentists at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry. We can help answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. If you would like to schedule an appointment please give us a call at (912) 234-8282 today.
