Tooth loss can severely disrupt your everyday life. Fortunately, our dentist offers comprehensive tooth replacement with dental implants. These fixtures use an anchor surgically placed in the jaw to support prosthetic teeth, restoring the look, feel, and health of your smile.
Though the advantages of this treatment seem clear, you might wonder how this permanent dental solution will impact your ability to receive other types of dental procedures. Implants will not necessarily stop you from pursuing other dental work. Read on to find responses to frequently asked questions regarding undergoing dental work following implant dentistry treatment.
Can I Whiten Dental Implants?
Over time, your teeth might start to turn yellow, darken, or form stains. A dentist can use teeth whitening treatment to lift stubborn stains and give you a brighter smile. Dental implants feature ceramic prosthetic teeth, however, which will not respond to bleaching agents like your enamel.
So you cannot whiten your implants, but dentists construct them to resist staining in the first place. If you want to brighten the appearance of your implants, your dentist will need to replace the prosthetics.
Your dentist can whiten the surrounding teeth though if needed. Consult with your dentist to discuss cosmetic dental treatment options that will work well for you and your existing dental work. Preserve the look of your implants with good oral hygiene and other aftercare efforts.
Can I Get Braces with a Dental Implant?
If you want to align crooked teeth or fix bite problems with braces, you might worry dental implants will impede your teeth-straightening treatment. Implants use a titanium post anchor surgically inserted in the jaw to keep prosthetic teeth in place.
So orthodontics will not be able to move the implant once secured in the mouth. Many dental patients seek to straighten their smiles with braces before receiving an implant. However, a dentist can still align your teeth if you already have an implant.
The dentist will focus on the teeth surrounding the implant, straightening them with a personalized orthodontic care plan. They will place brackets on the natural teeth, shifting them into a straighter position around the implant. Schedule an appointment with your dentist or orthodontist to learn more.
Can Implants Suffer Dental Problems?
Dental implants will not decay as your natural teeth might. But you still need routine care from your dentist’s office to get the most out of your dental work. Attend teeth cleanings and oral exams regularly to ensure your implant continues to function as well as it can.
While rare, an implant might fail if the bone in the jaw does not fuse properly with the anchor. This can also occur if your jawbone sustains structural damage. The implant might then feel loose or become infected, requiring removal from your dentist.
Gum disease can cause this type of jaw and dental damage as bacteria from the infection eats away at the bone and gum tissue. Reduce your risk of gum disease and therefore dental implant failure by practicing proper oral hygiene and other dental care.