When people living in Aurora come in for a consultation with Dr. Ivey regarding dental implants, they often ask how long they will last. In other words, will their dental implants be successful? Overall, dental implants have a very high success rate and are an optimal tooth replacement option on the market today. However, it is impossible to guarantee success for each individual, and there are factors that can influence your dental implant success. These include, but are not limited to:
1. Adequate Jawbone Tissue
Some Aurora men and women are surprised to learn that having adequate jawbone tissue is a huge factor that can influence dental implant success. In order for your dental implants to be successful, there must be enough bone present in the jaw to allow the implants to fuse properly. If you have been missing teeth for an extended period of time, there’s a good chance your jawbone has started to deteriorate. In this situation, you will need a jawbone graft before having dental implants placed. Knowing whether or not you will need a bone graft isn’t something you can determine on your own. Dr. Ivey will be able to examine your entire mouth during your visit with him to determine if you have adequate jawbone tissue.
2. Proper Oral Hygiene
Often Aurora patients assume that traditional oral hygiene goes out the window when they receive dental implants. However, this could not be further from the truth. Just because dental implants are not natural teeth, doesn’t mean you can neglect them. You still need to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash once a day to ensure the success of your dental implants.
3. Healthy Gums
During your initial consultation with Dr. Ivey, be sure to let him know if you have a history of gum disease. Dental implants need healthy gums, and if you’ve had gum disease in the past, there is an increased risk of developing it again, or even worse, contracting peri-implantitis, an infection in your gums that could cause your dental implants to fail.
4. Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health and also bad for your oral health. When you smoke, your blood vessels constrict, causing you to be at an increased risk of excessive bleeding during your procedure. Smoking also slows down the healing process and increases your chances of dental implant failure. If you are a smoker, Dr. Ivey will require you to stop smoking 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after your surgery, so you will have a higher chance of dental implant success. If you need help quitting smoking, contact Dr. Ivey’s office for a recommendation of a local cessation clinic.
Call Dr. Ivey Today to Make an Appointment
If you are considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery is here to help! Dr. Ivey and his knowledgeable team are ready to answer any questions you have regarding dental implants.
Contact his office in the Aurora area today at (303) 493-1933 to schedule an appointment and find out if dental implants are right for you.
