Dr. Bret Dyer talks about dental implants and some things to consider before getting them done.
Most people have heard about dental implants and how wonderful they can be at improving your oral healthy, look, and level of confidence. Before making the decision to get dental implants there are a few things to consider and understand. Dr Dyer has placed hundreds of implants a year since 1991 and has a failure rate below the national average.* Dr. Dyer has also invested in state-of-the-art technology and continuing education.
Dr. Dyer and the team at Fort Bend Periodontics & Implantology also take significant time before the procedure to help guide you through the process. This starts with an extensive exam to understand the health of your gums and teeth. While looking for infection Dr. Dyer will also identify how much existing gum and bone is available for implants. In some cases there may be alternatives to implants that allow you to grow your existing gum and bone through regenerative dentistry. Lastly Dr. Dyer wants to make sure you feel comfortable with how the dental implants will look and feel if you do decide to move forward.
Here are some other things to consider when thinking about getting dental implants:
1. Gum Health – Healthy gums are critical for dental implants. Gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis will need to be addressed before dental implants can be placed.
2. Smokers Beware – Smoking is not just bad for your lungs and cardiovascular system, they can wreak havoc on your oral health as well. Smoking tobacco products can increase the likelihood for dental implant failure by restricting blood flow to your gums, which will slow the healing process. Smokers are far more likely to experience implant failure than non-smokers.
3. Insufficient Bone – Dental implants require a minimal amount of existing bone to successfully support the new dental implant. Without enough healthy bone your periodontist may not be able to place the implant into your jaw and you’ll need to discuss options to improve this before moving forward.
4. Medical Conditions – Your periodontist should always know anout pre-existing medical conditions. Patients with an autoimmune disease face a higher risk of dental implant failure. These conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, cause the body to heal at a slower pace. This can slow the fusing process of the implant and bone and lead to further complications.
5. Dental Maintenance – Once you receive your new dental implants you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the implants. You’ll also need to schedule regular visits with your periodontist to ensure your implants are in good shape. Dr. Dyer has been seeing his patients for decades and enjoys teaching how to maintain your implants for a lifetime.
