Dental implants are a natural-looking, permanent replacement for missing teeth. In order to determine if you are a good candidate for implants, your dentist must take into consideration your current health, the strength of your jawbone, and any existing medical conditions you may have. Some medical conditions can slow your healing process and make it more likely that your body will reject the implants.

What Conditions Affect Implant Success?

Several health conditions can make it less likely for your dental implants to succeed. Your implant dentist should be made aware of any conditions you might have in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants. These conditions include: [pullquote]Several health conditions can make it less likely for your dental implants to succeed. Your implant dentist should be made aware of any conditions you might have in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for implants.[/pullquote]

•    Diabetes
•    Gum disease
•    Osteoporosis

Your healing rate and risk of rejection also increases if you are a smoker, since smoking affects blood flow and can make it difficult for your body to heal after an implant procedure.

If you have one of these conditions, you still might be a good candidate for implants. Gum disease can be treated before an implant procedure in order to increase the likelihood of success. If you have osteoporosis, your jawbones might still be strong enough to support implants. However, certain medications prescribed for osteoporosis can cause bone tissue to die after an implant, so be sure to discuss your options with your dentist before deciding on an implant procedure.

Deciding if Implants are Right for You

The first step in deciding whether implants are right for you is a consultation with your dentist. He will determine if any of these conditions apply to you, or if you have any other concerns or problems that could interfere with your healing process or increase the likelihood of an implant rejection. You and your dentist will then decide if implants are right for you. You might need preliminary treatment, such as bone grafts or treatment for gum disease. You might also benefit from a different type of implant procedure that will require a shorter time to heal.

For more information about dental implants, please contact the office of the doctor Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

It’s never too soon to start good dental hygiene habits. Your child can start visiting the dentist as soon as the arrival of her first tooth, and you can start instilling good habits even before that. Encouraging your child to take care of her teeth is the best way to ensure she will have strong teeth and a bright smile into adulthood.

Beginning Good Dental Habits

Before your child’s first tooth arrives, you can get him used to cleaning his gums by wiping them gently with soft gauze. This will help reduce the amount of bacteria in his mouth and will also help him get used to having his mouth cleaned on a regular basis.

When the first teeth arrive, you can start using a small, soft toothbrush, preferably one designed specifically for babies. If you use toothpaste, also use a product designed for babies, and follow the directions carefully. You won’t need a large amount of toothpaste, so use the recommended amount. Excess fluoride in your baby’s diet at this young age can cause permanent discoloration of his teeth. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions about what kind of toothbrush or toothpaste to use.

As Your Child Grows Older

As your child gets older, she’ll want to start brushing her teeth on her own. Special toothbrushes for the younger set are easier to grip and maneuver. With a special toothbrush, she’ll be more able to brush thoroughly and effectively. You’ll still want to help her, or even give her another brushing after she’s brushed on her own to be sure her teeth are nice and clean.

Flossing is more difficult for children, and can take time for them to learn. Your family dentist can help you find floss sticks that make it easier for children to maneuver the floss. These often come in fun shapes and bright colors that appeal to children, helping make sure they’ll use them regularly.

If you need ideas for how to teach your child to brush and floss, or guidance regarding the best toothbrushes, toothpastes, and floss, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry.  Call us at our office to schedule an appointment.