Many people wrongly assume that they’re looking to have dental implants in Richmond because their oral health is in a bad way and therefore having dental implants will ultimately make it better. Unfortunately this couldn’t be further from the truth. For a dental implant to succeed it needs to be placed into a healthy mouth.
So what do we mean by this?
When a mouth is healthy it’s free from gum disease, decay, abscesses and bacterial build up, all of which can cause problems to implants further on down the line.
So why is this important?
You’re probably aware of the fact that dental implants are considered the only real permanent solution to teeth replacement that modern dentistry has at this time and when cared for properly, they have been known to last 40 years or more. As a result they’re extremely strong and durable. However what you might not know is that at the same time, implants are extremely vulnerable in the first few weeks/months after placement, and bacteria is their deadliest enemy. If a dental implant is placed in an area that has any form of gum disease or bacteria, then this can weaken the foundation that the implant sits in, namely your gums and jaw bone. If bacteria is left to weave its damage, then over time it can cause the implant to loosen and eventually fall out.
How do I know if I have gum disease and what should I do?
If you notice excessive bleeding, especially when your teeth have been cleaned professionally, or you have a deep reddening or receding of the gum; or you’re aware of bad breath; then you could have gum problems. This could be in the form of gingivitis (an early form of gum disease) or periodontal disease. This being the case, then you need to get this treated firstly, before any dental implants in Richmond can be fitted. Although your implant dentist will quickly be able to tell if you have oral problems it might be advisable to mention the symptoms you’re having so that they can structure a treatment plan around it.
What about other problems
When a person has gum disease it can also weaken the bone tissue and as an implant needs healthy and plentiful bone mass in which to attach to, this may prove difficult. The result is that a bone graft may have to be carried out in order to make sure that the implant has sufficient and healthy bone mass in which to thrive. A bone graft is considered a routine dental operation and one which most dental implant clinics will carry out on the premises. The downside is that this has to be carried out and given time to heal (usually 1-3 months) before an implant can be placed.
If you want to know more about why it’s important to have a healthy mouth before being assessed for a dental implant in Richmond, or indeed anything else about the implantation process, then contact Sheen Dental on 020 8876 5277. Alternatively you can find out more by visiting www.sheendental.co.uk