Implant Dentistry Services in Bethesda MD surgically install devices into the jawbone that support a cosmetic fixture, typically a porcelain crown. The implants are usually made of titanium, but highly durable ceramic ones also are available. The devices bond with the jawbone in a process medically known as osseointegration. Dentists use titanium or ceramic for the implants because the body tends to accept those materials instead of rejecting them as foreign objects.
Dental implants have a very high success rate, but some individuals aren’t good candidates unless they make changes. People who smoke or chew tobacco, for instance, tend to have trouble with circulation and some level of gum disease. Those problems make it more likely that dental implants won’t bond with the jawbone. It doesn’t work for patients to try to hide their tobacco use from a dentist; the dentist can tell by examining their teeth and gums. Anyone who wants to have dental implants must stop their tobacco use beforehand.
Someone with uncontrolled high blood sugar or high blood pressure also is not be a good candidate for dental implants. In addition, certain medications interfere with the formation of new bone cells, which compromises the ability of the jawbone to fuse with the implants. Before attempting to have dental implants installed by any Implant Dentistry Cooper City, people who take prescription medication should ask their doctor whether those drugs have this effect. If so, they may be able to get a different prescription.
A clinic such as Aspen Hill Implant & Family Dentistry PC provides a thorough oral examination and consultation before proceeding with the surgery. X-rays let the practitioner know whether the bone is dense enough to hold the implants. Bone density can be less than adequate due to osteoporosis or the effects of gum disease. If this is the case, bone grafting often is done. Any gum disease must be resolved before implants are installed, since the inflammation damages cartilage and bone. The dentists want to be sure that the implants are successful and the patient can enjoy the future years of chewing normally and feeling confident about his or her smile. You can also visit them on Facebook for more information.
