The Role Of Good Health In Successful Dental Implant Treatment

 

Dental Implants are an effective way of replacing missing, decaying or fractured teeth that give natural-looking, long-lasting results. They are a reliable and predictable treatment with a 95% success rate. We’ve successfully placed over 5,000 implants here at The Bristol Dental Practice and we know that good health is critical for healing. Here’s everything you need to know about the role of good health in ensuring your dental implant treatment is a success:

 

What Are Dental Implants?

 

First, knowledge of what dental implants are and how they work is essential. A dental implant is a small screw made of bio-compatible titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, a porcelain crown (artificial tooth) is attached to the screw. The result is a durable replacement fixture that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.

 

One of the main reasons why good health is so vital for dental implant treatment is that the success of the procedure largely depends on the implant’s ability to fuse with the surrounding bone. This process, called Osseointegration, allows the implant to act as a stable foundation that anchors the replacement tooth into place. However, Osseointegration can be disrupted by certain health conditions or medications. For instance, individuals with diabetes or an immune disorder may have impaired healing that can lead to a higher risk of infection. Specific medications, such as steroids and certain types of chemotherapy, can also interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. While dental implant surgery is generally safe and has a high success rate, there are still risks involved. If you have a medical condition, it is important to disclose this information to us before the procedure, so we can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

 

A healthy jawbone is essential for the success of dental implant treatment. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, so it needs to be strong enough to support them. Suppose your jawbone has deteriorated due to gum disease or missing teeth. In this case, it’s likely that your jawbone will not be able to support the implants and will require additional treatments, such as a bone grafting procedure to build up the jawbone, before considering implants.

 

Good overall health is also critical for the success of dental implant treatment because it can affect the overall health of your mouth. Likewise, proper oral hygiene is necessary to prevent gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. We ensure that any gum disease present is treated before we place your implants. You can support us in doing this by thoroughly brushing for at least two minutes twice a day, flossing, and regularly visiting the hygienist to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. 

 

Smoking:

 

Smoking reduces the blood flow to the gums, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection after surgery. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarette smoke can weaken bone structure, making it difficult for the implants to fully fuse with the jawbone. We recommend that you stop smoking for at least a few weeks before and after dental implant surgery to increase the chances of a successful outcome.

 

Smoking also stains your teeth and can make the implants look less natural. For this reason, you should use your new implant fixtures as an impetus to quit smoking. 

 

Sedation Therapy:

 

In addition to the physical factors, mental and emotional health also play a significant role in the success of dental implants. We understand that dental procedures can be stressful for some patients, and it is important to us that you feel comfortable and confident in the care you are receiving. A positive attitude and open communication with the dental team can help to ensure a successful outcome. Dental implant surgery can also be lengthy, depending on how many teeth you replace. Our dental surgeons have undertaken extensive training to provide conscious IV sedation, so you can feel relaxed and comfortable sitting in the dentist’s chair. Find out more about sedation at The Bristol Dental Practice.

 

Aftercare:

 

After treatment, it’s important to follow our post-surgery instructions. This may include taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods, and properly caring for the surgical site. You may feel slight discomfort after the procedure, which you can ease with over-the-counter pain relief. Following these instructions can reduce the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

 

Final Thoughts:

 

The role of good health is crucial for the success of dental implant treatment. Certain health conditions and medications can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. A healthy jawbone, good oral health, and positive mental and emotional wellbeing also play a big part in the procedure’s success. Be honest with your dentist about your overall health and any medications you take to determine if dental implant treatment suits you. In some cases, you may need treatment for gum disease or a bone grafting procedure before discussing dental implants. By working closely with us, you can increase your chances of a successful dental implant procedure and enjoy the benefits of a restored smile.

 

Dental Implants at The Bristol Dental Practice:

 

Our Principal Dentist, Dr Jonanthan Cochrane, specialises in dental implants and conscious sedation to rebuild your smile in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. He is a member of two Royal Colleges of Surgeons; England and Edinburgh. In 2018, he became the first British dentist to be awarded a Certificate in Implant Dentistry by the German Board of Oral Implantology (DGZI).

At The Bristol Dental Practice, we offer many tooth replacement options including single and multiple implants; 3-unit, 2-implant bridges; implant secured dentures; and ‘All-On-Four’ implants.