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If you’ve been chewing on one side of your mouth or hiding your smile in pictures for years because of a missing tooth, getting dental implants has probably crossed your mind before. These small, permanent tooth replacement posts are surgically placed in the jaw and serve as artificial tooth roots, holding a permanent dental crown so you can bite, speak, and smile with confidence.
People often consider dental implants because they want a restorative dental treatment that stays in place, restores function, and can last a lifetime. With a 10-year survival rate of around 97%, dental implants are the treatment of choice. However, there are several factors to consider before starting treatment.
Continue reading to learn whether dental implants are right for you, what you need to do to qualify for treatment, and where to find the best dentist in Pflugerville for restorative dentistry.
Four Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to Get Dental Implants
Before you schedule anything, take a moment to consider the factors that can shape your treatment timeline and results. These questions will help you walk in with clearer expectations and better answers:
1. Do I Have Enough Jawbone for a Dental Implant?
Jawbone matters because a dental implant is not just sitting in your mouth like dentures do. Instead, they are surgically anchored in the bone. If the bone is thin or worn down, the implant may not fuse properly with the jaw and may shift under everyday forces such as biting into a crisp apple or chewing steak. Dentists who offer the best dental implants in Pflugerville typically evaluate candidates with a thorough dental exam that includes dental X-rays and digital dental imaging, such as 3D cone-beam CT scans, which can measure bone height and width and reveal important anatomy, including nerves and the sinus space.
If the scan shows you do not have enough bone at this time, that does not necessarily mean implants are off the table. Bone grafting can rebuild missing bones. If the issue is in the upper back jaw near the sinus, a sinus lift procedure may create more space for new bone, providing a safer foundation for an implant.
2. Are my Gums Healthy Enough for Dental Implants?
Healthy gums are essential to the success of dental implants, as gum tissue forms the seal that protects the bone around the implant. If you have gum disease, that seal can already be inflamed or infected. A history of periodontitis is also linked with a higher risk of implant problems like peri-implantitis and implant failure, which is why dentists take gum health seriously before placing an implant.
If your gums are not yet stable, you may need initial treatment, such as a deep cleaning or gum disease treatment, to reduce infection and support tissue healing. After implants are placed, your daily oral health habits will dictate how long your dental implants last. Brushing, flossing, and maintaining a schedule of regular dental visits will help prevent plaque buildup around the gumline of your implant.
3. Will my Overall Physical Health Affect Dental Implant Success?
Your overall health can shape how well an implant heals:
- People with poorly controlled diabetes have higher rates of peri-implantitis and implant loss over time, while those with controlled diabetes can have success rates closer to those without diabetes.
- Autoimmune conditions can add another layer because inflammation, immune-suppressing medications, or slow tissue repair may affect healing, so your dentist may plan more carefully and monitor you more closely.
- A history of previous radiation therapy to the head or neck is also important to share with your dentist because radiation can change bone quality and blood supply, which can raise the risk of serious complications.
4. Can Smoking, Vaping, or Nicotine Use Disqualify Me From Getting Dental Implants?
Smoking, vaping, or any nicotine use usually does not automatically disqualify you from dental implants, but it is one of the biggest risk flags your dentist will take seriously. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen delivery and thus preventing healing cells from reaching the surgical site. There is also evidence linking electronic cigarette use with an inflammatory infection around implants, called peri-implantitis. Because of these risks, most dentists recommend a quit or pause plan before surgery and during the healing window. If quitting feels overwhelming, bring it up during your consultation, as there are smoking cessation support options available.
Where to Find the Best Dentist in Pflugerville for Dental Implants
A missing tooth can have a really big impact on your life, from the foods you’re able to enjoy to how you look and your confidence in front of a camera. At Pflugerville Family Dentistry, we make getting dental implants less intimidating with a patient-first approach that is clear and steady from the first conversation to the final result.
Our team of dentists and dental hygienists takes the time to carefully plan your dental implants to fit your bite, support your bone structure, and ensure long-term success and comfort. Families from across Pflugerville choose us because the experience here is organized and calm, with a single, familiar team that handles your routine dental visits, oral surgery, and implant care in one place.
Ready to restore your smile with natural-looking dental implants with the best dentist in Pflugerville?
