One of the best parts of any holiday or family celebration is the yummy deserts that are brought out after dinner. Cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, no matter what it is, we all love to indulge now and then.
Sugar, within moderation, is an important part of maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Too much of it can lead to problems regarding our blood levels and the integrity of our teeth. Sugar can also impact our dental prosthetics, including dental implants.
For more information about dental implants in Chilliwack, reach out to our local dental clinic.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant acts as a replacement for your tooth. Created from titanium, a biocompatible material, this device is surgically installed into your jaw to establish a firm foundation of support for your smile. The screw, the connecting piece (abutment), and the artificial prosthetic are the three components that make up a single implant.
Since they are a life-long solution, you won’t have to worry about replacing them further down the line. Rather, once your mouth has fully healed, you can treat your implants like you would your normal teeth.
Keep in mind, however, that not everyone is a suitable candidate for this particular procedure. You need to have healthy gum tissues and a strong jawbone for this treatment to be successful. With that said, it’s important that you attend a consultation with a dentist near you. They’ll conduct a physical assessment of your teeth and gums and take x-rays to determine if dental implants are the best solution for you.
Receiving Dental Implants
After you’ve been given the go-ahead, you’ll need to return for 2 subsequent appointments to obtain your implants.
During the first visit, your dentist makes moulds of your affected tooth; this bit of information is sent to a dental laboratory and used to create a prosthetic that will cover your implant. This typically comes in the form of a dental crown of a pontic (false tooth). Then, your dentist gets to work placing the screw and the abutment. This is accomplished using a dental drill.
Your mouth will need time to heal. Once you’ve had adequate time to do so, and your crown is officially ready, you’ll return to receive them. Your dentist will make certain that your implants are fine and that the prosthetic fits you well before allowing you to leave.
Havequestions or concerns? Speak to our dentists in Chilliwack. They’ll be able to explain each stage of the procedure to you.
How Sugar Impacts Your Dental Implants
Everyone knows that sugar can damage our smiles, but how does it cause damage? When sugar is left on our teeth, as opposed to being removed by brushing, the bacteria present in that sugar can start to cause tooth erosion. The sugar, whether it’s in chocolate, sports drinks, or alcohol, will eat away at your enamel, rendering your tooth vulnerable to cavities and infection. It also leads to sensitivity and oral pain. The more sugar you consume – and the more sugar that’s left on your smile – the higher the potential for serious decay to occur. This decay can reach your roots, harming your pulp and bones in the process.
Dental implants, though they are a permanent solution, still need to be properly cared for. Your implants are especially susceptible to damage from sugar during the long healing process. That’s why eating healthy and staying away from sugary things is important. Otherwise, you may need to receive more complex care later on.
At Eagle Landing Dental, we provide dental implants near you. If you’re looking to undergo reliable, successful restorative treatment, we encourage you to call us today to set up an appointment at a time that works with your schedule. Our staff is here to aid you as you navigate your oral health journey and restore your beautiful smile.
We very much look forward to working with you!