Fortifying Bone And Calcium Density Tests: What They Have To Do With Dental Implants
by Gregory Price
Dental implants require a full-on dental surgery. Your gums are cut to reveal the bone underneath, and then the bone is bored with a drill to make room for the implant screw. Because of the holes needed to install the implants, your dentist may want to put you through a series of tests and procedures first. These tests and procedures include calcium density tests and bone fortification. Here is what these tests and procedures have to do with dental implants.
Calcium Density Tests
Your jaw bones are not brittle, but the way they are structured and the narrowness of the bone into which your dentist bores can break. The calcium density tests your dentist might request are to make sure your bones are as strong as they should be and need to be for this surgery. The denser the calcium distribution, the less likely your jaw will accidentally break during the drilling process. The less calcium you have, the more fragile your jaw bones, and the higher the risk for breaks.
Fortifying Bone
If your calcium levels are bordering on just enough for the surgery, your dentist may want you to "fortify" your jaw bones. To do this, you may be required to take calcium and vitamin D supplements for several weeks prior to your scheduled implant surgery. Your dentist may request a second calcium density test to make sure your bones are definitely strong enough before heading into surgery. A second, post-fortification test can be done on the day before or the day of your implant surgery if you check in early in the morning and your surgery is not until mid-afternoon.
Hemoglobin Tests
Hemoglobin is necessary for the healing process. After your implants are in and the gum tissue is sewn shut around the bases of the implants, your iron-rich blood goes to work to heal the bone and soft gum tissues. If your hemoglobin is low, you will heal a lot slower, and may incur infections. Your dentist wants to know in advance if the iron count in your blood is too low to help you heal, or spot any potential issues with bone marrow that would show up in your hemoglobin tests.
The Ultimate Purpose of These Tests
These tests and procedures are all about injury prevention and quick healing. It is important that your mouth and your body are prepared for the installation of the titanium screws in your jaw. Having all of the above on target for surgery results in a truly positive outcome for your dental implants.
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About Me
Up until a year ago, I did my best to keep my teeth and gums clean. But after securing a new job, I began to work late into the night and didn't have the time or energy to brush and floss before I retired to bed. My busy schedule and poor dental hygiene finally affected my teeth and gums. After experiencing severe pain in several of my teeth, I made an appointment with my dentist. My dentist examined my mouth and discovered three large cavities in my molars. After four long weeks, my dentist finally completed my dental work. I learned a very painful lesson during that time. No matter how busy you are, always brush and floss. I started this blog to inform other people about the importance of good dental care. I hope you find the time to read it. Thanks for visiting.
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