Have you lost teeth? Do dental implants interest you as a tooth replacement option? Dental implants are the closest thing available to biological teeth because these prosthetics are used to replace the lost structure of the root systems of teeth. Every other prosthetic available only replaces the visible structures of teeth. By replacing the root structure of a tooth, dental implants can be used to hold restorations like dental crowns for decades, if not longer.
Since dental implants rely on bone structure for support, there are requirements to be eligible for this type of tooth replacement option. The most common issues associated with determining whether a person is a candidate for dental implants are the health of bone in the jaw and the oral health history of the patient. Conditions like severe bone atrophy or advanced periodontal disease can make this treatment option unsuitable for some patients. Our periodontist places dental implants and offers treatment for gum disease.
Why is the health of bone so important for dental implantation?
Bone is the foundation of a dental implant’s support system. Since dental implants function very similarly like the roots of teeth, it is important that dental implants have the same structures in place for support that biological teeth do. The roots of teeth rely on bone for support. Bone is what holds the roots of teeth or dental implants in place. Without adequate bone structure, dental implants can fail. The process that makes dental implants so durable is called “osseointegration”, which is a natural biologic process that occurs when bone fuses to titanium (the metal used to make implants). If bone is too thin or dense, there isn’t enough tissue to fuse to the dental implant.
What about gum health and dental implants?
Like bone, gum tissue is a support structure for implants. Gums support biological teeth and dental implants. Moreover, gums protect bone by covering them. If gums are unhealthy, they will recede and can become infected. When gums are affected by advanced periodontal disease, it can affect the health of bone by contributing to tissue deterioration.
For more information about dental implants and gum health, call us to schedule a consultation with our periodontist.
