Ultimately, your dentist will be able to make a recommendation about which tooth restoration procedure is the best for you. While they are very popular, and most people will do fine with them, not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Here are some things that you should consider before asking your dentist about implants.

A person considering dental implants should have healthy gums. It’s also very important that they have enough bone in their jaw to support the implants. It is possible to have your jaw bone built up through grafting, but your dentist may suggest you try another type of tooth restoration.
If your jaws have not stopped growing, it may be too soon for an implant. If you are pregnant, or if you have diabetes that you are not controlling with medication, or have had a great deal of radiation treatment in your neck and or head, implants may not be a good choice for you. If you have an immune system issue, or you are taking immunosuppressants, your dentist may suggest another treatment.

Perhaps one of the most important factors in deciding if dental implants are right for you is an assessment of your oral hygiene habits. If you do receive implants, you need to be committed to taking care of your teeth and gums. Neglecting your teeth will not help your implants, or you. If you abuse alcohol or drugs; or if you use tobacco and cannot commit to quitting, implants may not be a good choice.

As noted above, you need to have a serious and honest conversation with your dentist about implants. Although implants have many advantages, there are other tooth-replacements that might serve you better. If you are interested in dental implants, have a problem with your teeth, or it is just time for a cleaning and exam, then feel free to make an appointment to see our dentist, Dr. Bob Johnson at Horizon Dental Care in Grand Junction, Colorado, at 970-245-3633. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? first appeared on Horizon Laser Dental Care.

One advantage to seeing your dentist before your baby arrives is that you can take care of any needed dental work ahead of the birth. Your life is about to get much busier, and it will be easier for you if you don’t have to worry about any procedures then. The best time during your pregnancy for dental work is in during the second trimester. That is when it is the safest for you and your baby. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you might want to call us for an appointment beforehand. If you need emergency dental work, you should definitely let our office know if you are pregnant. We may need to talk with your physician before moving ahead with your treatment.

You may experience what are sometimes called ‘pregnancy tumors.” Despite the name, these are not malignant. Rather, they are overgrowths on your gums. While their appearance can be alarming, they usually go away after the birth of your baby

It’s important to make sure that you keep your teeth and gums clean during your pregnancy. Hormonal changes can lead to an increased chance of gingivitis. The increased hormonal activity can exacerbate your way gums react to plaque. Morning sickness may accompany your pregnancy. That can cause you to have more acids in your mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay.

If you are expecting, or are considering having a baby, you should make sure that you talk with us about addressing your dental needs. Our dentist, Dr. Bob Johnson at Horizon Dental Care in Grand Junction, Colorado, will be happy to see you for an examination or consultation. You can make an appointment by calling 970-245-3633.

The post Make an Appointment to See Us if You’re Expecting first appeared on Horizon Laser Dental Care.