tips for adjusting to dentures

When you have teeth missing in your mouth, you dentist may suggest dental implant technology. There are a few reasons you may be considered a poor candidate for surgery, such as if you are a smoker or you are a diabetic with out of control blood sugar levels. To prepare for surgery, you can quit smoking and talk with your doctor about getting better blood sugar control. In addition, if you have signs of gum disease such as bleeding or swollen gums, your dentist may recommend treating your gum disease first before moving on to dental implants. You'll want to be healthy and ready for dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth.

Smoking Causes Dental Implants to Fail

The simple action of smoking a cigarette causes dental implants to move around. This means it will be difficult for the implant to embed into your jaw. Smoking also causes dryness in your mouth, another reasons implants can fail. The good new is, once you quit smoking you are a viable candidate for implants. Make sure that have officially broken the habit before you get implants so that you aren't tempted to go back to smoking.

Stay Hydrated

Your gums will be healthier if you are able to stay hydrated. You will need to drink plenty of water before and after your surgery to keep your mouth clean and your gums healthy. 

Be Gentle With Your Implants at First

Your dentist can go with two options. The first is to implant the titanium rod, wait several months until it is secure in your mouth, and then add the synthetic crown on top. The second option is to implant the rod and attach the crown on top on the same day. Either way, you'll need to be careful with the area until the rod has embedded into your jaw. This can take a number of months, and you'll want to avoid chewing difficult food on the implant until it is solidly in your mouth.

Clean Your Implants Like Normal Teeth

Once your implant is secure in your jaw, you will brush and floss your implant just like a normal tooth. You can expect the implant to remain permanently, as long as you take care of the implant as well as you care for your other teeth.

When you want to replace missing teeth, dental implant technology is an effective way to do so. For more information, talk to a professional like Oral Surgery Associates Inc.