I’ve been losing teeth for a bit and want to replace them. Can I get dental implants if I’m a healthy adult or are their other qualifications?

Ken

Dear Ken,

While, under normal circumstances, it is a good sign that you are in great general health and that would make you a good candidate for dental implants. However, you’ve been losing teeth. The important thing for you is to find out why.

If you’ve been losing teeth due to trauma than you should be fine. However, if you’re losing teeth due to gum disease, that won’t allow you to get dental implants. You can eventually, but not until you have dealt with your gum disease.

It is treatable and often just requires some extra dental cleanings that go a little more in depth than the traditional cleanings. If you are diligent, you’ll be able to get dental implants before you know it.

Dental Implants and Gum Disease

When plaque builds up, it can affect your teeth, then the infection will move on to your gum tissue. If it continues to be left untreated, it will move into the bone. This will cause the teeth to come loose and fallout.

If this is what is happening to you, a dental implant won’t help. At this point, the bone is still infected and won’t be able to hold on to your implant any more than they could your teeth.

The Importance of Dealing with Gum Disease

See your dentist. They regularly check for gum disease at check ups and cleanings. He or she will let you know if you have it. Then, if you do, it is imperative you get treated.

It will continue to infect the bone and you will continue to lose your teeth. Eventually you’ll lose all of them. From there, you’ll be looking at dentures or implant overdentures.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Imam.