Discover the Surprising Connection Between Your Health and Dental Implants

That's right – your body's ability to heal and bounce back after surgery is a major factor in the success of your dental implant. So, if you want to ensure your new tooth replacement goes smoothly, it's essential to understand the connection between your well-being and the success of your dental implant. Let's dive into everything you need to know about this critical link. 

 

Let's start with the basics: What are Dental Implants? This innovative treatment involves placing a biocompatible titanium screw directly into your jawbone, which serves as a sturdy replacement for a natural tooth root. Once fully healed, we'll attach a beautiful, high-quality porcelain crown that imitates a natural tooth. So, whether you need to replace a missing or damaged tooth, dental implants are an incredibly effective and natural-looking solution that can leave you feeling confident. 

 

Here's why good health is crucial for successful dental implants. During the healing process, the titanium screw needs to fuse seamlessly with your jawbone in a process called Osseointegration. Certain health conditions like gum disease, heart disease, diabetes and cancer can disrupt this delicate process, making it harder for the implant to take hold. It's not just health conditions that can cause trouble, though. Medications like steroids or chemotherapy can also compromise the healing process. 

 

We know that some health concerns are unfortunately out of your control, but taking care of your oral health can help prevent gum disease and ultimately reduce your risk of tooth loss. Maintaining a healthy mouth can also create the ideal environment for successful dental implant treatment. If you have a medical condition, it's important to let us know beforehand so we can evaluate whether dental implants are a suitable option for you. Being honest about your health history ensures we make the best decision for your unique situation. 

 

Your lifestyle habits can also significantly impact the success rate. For example, smoking and alcohol consumption can both hinder the healing process. Smoking, in particular, can cause problems as it reduces blood flow to the gums, leading to slower healing and an increased risk of infection following surgery. Likewise, the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can weaken bone structure, making it harder for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. That's why we strongly advise that you quit smoking for a few weeks before and after your procedure to increase your chances of a successful outcome. We believe your new and beautiful dental implants can also be an excellent motivator to quit smoking for good! 

 

Eating a balanced diet, staying active, practising good oral hygiene and leading a healthy life are all crucial components in supporting the healing process. 

 

Before treatment, we'll book you in for a consultation to conduct a thorough dental examination and discuss your overall health. This is an opportunity for you to share any medical conditions or medications, so we can work together to create a pre-treatment plan to address any concerns that could affect implant success. 

 

But it's not just about the pre-treatment phase; long-term care is equally important. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, scheduling routine dental check-ups and adopting healthy lifestyle habits is essential. By taking care of your teeth and body, you can ensure the longevity of your dental implants and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come. 

 

 

If you'd like to enquire about our dental implant services, book a free consultation with our friendly reception team at 0115 9101447 or contact us online.