No two denturists are the same. If you have been wearing dentures for a while, you know that no two sets of dentures are the same. Finding a quality, experienced denturist can seriously impact the comfort of your dentures. You do not have to deal with loose plates, gums that are rubbed raw, distorted speech, and the inability to eat your favorite foods. If you have any of these problems, there are a few things that you can try before replacing your dentures. Use what I have learned over my 15 years of wearing dentures to find a perfect fit and optimum comfort in your dentures.
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Does Dry Mouth Stop You From Getting A Dental Implant?
Priscilla Hansen
Xerostomia (which is often just called dry mouth) is a common condition, with much of the general population affected. This can be rather unfavorable to your dental health, as saliva acts as a natural irrigation system, helping to flush away harmful oral bacteria. Does a dry mouth prevent you from getting teeth implants?
Tooth Loss
The effects of xerostomia can be what compelled you to receive a dental implant in the first place. An unfortunate result of the condition can be accelerated dental decay, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. So while you need a tooth replacement, does the cause of your tooth loss actually mean you're not a suitable candidate for an implant?
Oral Bacteria
If anything, a dental implant will perform very well in a mouth affected by xerostomia. The prosthetic dental crown that will be attached to the implant cannot decay as a natural tooth might, although it can still host potentially harmful oral bacteria, and will need to be thoroughly cleaned as part of your regular oral health routine. The potential issue with dental implants and xerostomia is during the implantation process itself.
Tell Your Dentist
Firstly, it's crucial that you inform your dentist about your xerostomia. If it's your regular dentist, then they'll already be aware of the condition, but if you should receive your implant from another dentist, they need to be aware of your dry mouth, so they can take the necessary steps to accommodate your condition. Xerostomia can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition (such as Sjögren's syndrome or celiac disease), but it can also be a side effect of some medications. In the case of the latter, your dentist might suggest a temporary adjustment to your medication to accommodate your implant surgery, but this decision should be made in consultation with your physician.
Osseointegration
It's crucial to maintain a healthy level of saliva in your mouth during osseointegration. This is the period directly after the implant is embedded into your jaw, in which it integrates into your jawbone. You will want to avoid a potentially dangerous condition known as peri-implantitis, which is simply an infection around the site of the implant that can lead to implant mobility and loss.
Saliva Production
For those with xerostomia, keeping the site of the implant healthy during osseointegration can be as straightforward as using a saliva substitute, applied directly to your oral mucosa. Your dentist can recommend a specific product, or even prescribe one. It's all about maintaining a healthy level of saliva, especially during the potentially delicate period of osseointegration.
Xerostomia doesn't mean you can't get a dental implant, but it will mean that additional protocols need to be followed.
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