Is It Too Late for Me to Get Dental Implants?
Posted by writeradmin
I finally have dental insurance. I’ve been losing teeth because of advanced gum disease. At this point, I’ve lost seven teeth, with more likely on the way. Is it possible for me to replace these with dental implants or will I have to get dentures?
Kat
Dear Kat,
I’m glad you are looking into dental implants. They are the best tooth replacement option available. Technically, it is never too late for someone to get dental implants, as long as they are in good general health. You have a couple of things you will need to deal with in order to make it possible, but it can be done.
First, your advanced gum disease. You’ll want to get this treated first and right away. This eats away at your bone that supports the roots of your teeth, which is why yours are coming out.
After that is dealt with, you will then need to build up the bone that you lost because of the gum disease. This is essential. You need that bone in order to secure the implants into your mouth. Without that, they will fall out just like your teeth did.
Fortunately, bone grafting is a procedure that can replace your missing bone structure. Once that is healed, you’ll be good to go. But, do make sure you stay on top of the periodontitis. Otherwise you’ll end up in the same position again.
Most people are unaware that when your teeth come out, it signals that to your body. Our bodies are remarkably efficient in their processes. In an effort to use your resources where they are most needed, it will resorb the minerals in the bones where there are no longer teeth. It does this in order to use those minerals elsewhere in your body.
This does have the impact of shrinking the jawbone in that area, which is especially dangerous for patients in completely removable dentures. After ten years or so they will no longer have enough jawbone left to keep their dentures in place. Not only does that leave you with the necessity of a soft foods only diet, impacting your health, but it also can make you look decades older than you are.
In dental circles, this is known as facial collapse. Having dental implants placed to anchor your dentures prevents this by signaling to your body that you have teeth.
This blog is brought to you by a friendly Mt. Dora Dentist Dr. Michelle Stillman.