Restoring your bite after losing a tooth is crucial if you want to avoid worsening dental conditions. But getting dental implants in Baltimore isn’t always an easy decision to make. While implants do have many benefits, they may not be the right treatment for every patient. Your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your cosmetic goals prior to treatment.
If you have poor oral health or other dental conditions, you may not benefit from implant dentistry right away. But that doesn’t always mean you’ll never be ready for implants.
Qualifications for Dental Implants in Baltimore
In order to be eligible for dental implants, you need to have a healthy mouth to start with. Poor oral health is one of the leading causes of implant failure. The most common conditions that can affect implants are gum disease and bone density loss. While these conditions can greatly impact your chances of a successful implant, they are often treatable. Your dentist may be able to provide periodontal therapy or bone grafting to help get your mouth ready for implants.
Smoking and Dental Implants
Smoking is another main reason implants can fail. The harmful chemicals in a cigar or cigarette can negatively affect the titanium implant post. More than that, the sucking motion of smoking can often make the implant come loose or even fall out. Implant treatment can take a few months to complete. So, it’s often recommended that patients who do smoke try to quit as soon as possible, giving themselves ample time before treatment starts.
The Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are more affordable than ever, thanks to improved technology. However, it can still feel like a large sum to get treatment. And if you need multiple implants, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost.
Many insurance companies do provide partial coverage for implants. However, not every policy will provide coverage, and your dentist may not be in-network to receive payment. If you are struggling to secure the finances you need, your dentist may be able to help find a third-party lender.
Many dental and medical loans, such as ones acquired through CareCredit, tend to have no interest payment options available. The sooner you talk to your dentist about payment options, the sooner you can get the treatment you need.
Cleaning and Care
Dental implants are often recommended for tooth loss because they are relatively easy to care for. With an implant, you can often brush and floss your teeth as normal. Your dentist may suggest a different flossing technique depending on the type of restoration you have, but overall, your oral hygiene routine can remain the same.
It is crucial, however, that you continue to stay on a regular cleaning and exam schedule. And if something feels off with your implant, contact your dentist right away for a follow-up.
If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant may be able to help. Call Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry today at (410) 697-6290 to schedule a consultation and see if implant dentistry is right for you.