Gaps in your grin from missing permanent teeth can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might develop speech impediments, struggle to eat wholesome foods, or feel anxious about being judged for the changes to your appearance.
Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to restore your smile, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the best solution to meet everyone’s unique needs. For example, if you’re pregnant, you might wonder whether you can undergo this procedure safely. Continue reading to learn more about it!
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these replacement teeth involve surgically placing a titanium rod into your jawbone to function like the root of a tooth. It stimulates additional bone growth with each bite down to keep your jaw active and healthy, preventing the deterioration that usually accompanies tooth loss.
It can take three to six months for your mouth to mend, because that’s about how long it takes to generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the biocompatible pole. Then, your dentist places a lifelike dental crown (or other appropriate restoration) to close the space in your smile.
Is the Dental Implant Procedure Considered Safe?
Typically, the dental implant surgery is considered safe for most qualified candidates as long as it’s performed by a trained professional. Plus, it has a success rate of more than 90%, meaning you’re unlike to experience failure if you follow your dentist’s post operative instructions in detail.
Your dentist is happy to help rebuild your grin’s functionality and appearance, but you must schedule a consultation to ensure that you can undergo the procedure and recover effectively afterward. They will update your medical history and list any current prescription medications or supplements you may be taking to avoid doing anything that could result in adverse effects. Then, they’ll examine your mouth and treat any pre-existing issues, like cavities or gum disease, and measure your jawbone density before proceeding.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I’m Pregnant?
You must share any current medical conditions, like pregnancy, with your dentist when discussing dental implants. For instance, the leading cause of failure is a pervasive form of gum disease, called peri-implantitis, that occurs when bacteria in your mouth infect the surgical site. Unfortunately, the hormone changes that come with pregnancy increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, which increases the likelihood of failure.
Not only that, but your body might not be able to withstand surgery or sedatives, because medications can pass through the placenta, which can put you and your unborn child at risk. If you’re unsure how long you will have to wait after delivery to get dental implants, your provider can give you accurate information that takes your unique circumstances into account!
About the Practice
Patients at Oakton Dentistry by Design benefit from two dentists eager to help families improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Giordano and Dr. Khalil share decades of combined experience and collaborate cohesively to provide a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including dental implants. They have the advanced training and state-of-the-art equipment required to place and restore your dental implants in the office for a more streamlined experience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 938-4300.