Life with a missing tooth might have been progressing well for you, but over time you may have become more interested in the installation of a dental implant instead. Implants can be very strong and suitable replacements for teeth, but they aren't always approved immediately by dentists and oral surgeons. Your implant can still be a reality, but it's best to get your health in optimal condition so you can have the procedure done immediately. The unhealthy issues below could be cause for delay, so address them now.

Cavities

A cavity in one of your remaining teeth may not seem relevant at all when you want an implant on the other side of your mouth. However, any current cavities could mean that you have a higher than normal bacteria level in your mouth. It could be dangerous for your oral health if a new implant was put in while a cavity is untreated. That's because the base of the implant is drilled directly down into your jaw. If bacteria should populate and thrive at that site, you could end up with a serious, excruciating infection. If your dentist has discovered even minor cavities, have them filled prior to dealing with any implant.

Gum Disease

Gums don't seem to get the attention that teeth do, and when they're diseased, it can often be ignored. Redness and soreness can be early signals of trouble, but many people don't really pay much attention until their dentist alerts them. An implant drilled into diseased gums can be more painful than if you had healthy gums, but just as with any cavities, compromised gums could cause an infection risk. Your dentist may recommend extensive deep cleaning of gums before allowing an implant.

Poor Diet

A poor diet is bad for your energy levels and many of the processes that take place inside your body. If you're hoping for an implant, a bad diet could mean that you don't have adequate stores of minerals or vitamins to go through with it. In particular, a poor diet lacking in the mineral calcium or vitamin D could mean the density of your bones is so low that your jawbone can't support an implant. Bump up your dairy consumption and have your primary doctor test your bone density and nutrient blood levels to ensure your jaw is strong.

By facing these issues and making changes, your implant should be able to be installed soon. Discuss your habits and prep activities with your dentist so your implant can be done.

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