In order for a dental implant to succeed, the patient must be in good oral and overall health and do an excellent job of maintaining optimal oral hygiene once the implant has been placed. One of the main benefits of dental implants in Las Vegas is that 95 – 98% of all dental implants are successful. Before you have dental implants placed, your implant dentist, Dr. Carlos Letelier, will assess your jawbone and gum tissue health which includes the assessment of the depth and thickness of your jawbone and other factors which could affect your success rate.
In order for a dental implant to be successful in replacing a missing tooth, the jawbone must be thick enough to securely hold the implant in place. A dental implant is made of titanium that allows it to bond or fuse properly with the jawbone over time in a process called osseointegration. It is imperative that the jawbone be healthy and of the proper thickness to accommodate the implant for a successful procedure.
If a patient has gum recession wherein the tooth roots are exposed, a dental implant that is placed in the jawbone may be exposed or left vulnerable.This is why gum recession must be dealt with prior to placing a dental implant.
Receding gums expose the tooth roots to put the teeth at risk for damage which could lead to tooth loss if not treated. There are many reasons why the gums recede including:
Tissue grafts are sometimes used to improve the gum tissue where the dental implant is to be placed. Proper brushing & flossing and the use of an oral rinse can also keep the gum tissue healthy and reduce gum recession.
Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly can go far in improving both your overall health and oral health. At your initial consultation with a dental implant specialist your lifestyle habits will be discussed as well as any potential concerns to ensure you are a good candidate for implants and that your dental implants are successful. For more information or to ask questions regarding implant dentistry, please contact our friendly team at (702) 367-6666 today!