Dental implants are undoubtedly one of the most requested restorative dentistry solutions in the United States. This revolutionary approach to restoring missing teeth offers patients the benefit of natural, comfortable and permanent prosthetics that look and feel just like their own teeth. Not only can you experience the full functionality of your teeth again, but you can also enjoy an attractive and complete smile.
Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted device, medical or dental. However, this doesn’t automatically mean that you are right for dental implants, or that they are the best solution for you. Here’s what you need to know about candidacy for dental implants.
Benefits of dental implants
Before we get started, let’s look at some of the key reasons why so many patients across the country are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth.
– Dental implants are more natural in appearance than other solutions.
– They are very discreet, and it is almost impossible to tell them apart from your other teeth.
– The titanium post reinforces the jawbone by continuing to stimulate it, preventing it from deteriorating and changing the shape of your face.
– Dental implants are more secure than alternative treatments and do not slip or move around when you use your mouth.
– It is easier to clean dental implants than it is to clean bridges or dentures.
– Dental implants can last longer than any other dental restoration, provided they are properly looked after!
Candidacy for dental implants
Whether or not you are a suitable candidate for dental implants will need to be decided at a consultation appointment. The goal of this appointment is to assess the gap in your smile and determine if a dental implant is the best course of action to restore your missing tooth. This means that we will need information about your current and previous dental health (if we don’t have it already) and take x-rays of your jaw to determine if you have enough healthy bone in your jaw for implants to be placed. This is essential since the process relies on osseointegration – the healing of the bone around the implant to secure it in place.
What if the bone in my jaw isn’t strong or healthy enough for dental implants?
If you are found to have an insufficient healthy bone in your jaw, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have implants. You may be able to have them if you undergo a bone graft first. This is a procedure where the bone is taken from another part of the body and grafted onto the jaw where it heals and reinforces it, as well as promoting new bone growth.
What makes someone a good candidate for dental implants?
Other important elements that make someone a suitable candidate for dental implants include:
– Good general health
– Good oral health with no obvious dental work needing to be completed ahead of receiving your dental implant
– No sign of gum disease (since gum disease can threaten the viability of dental implants)
– A commitment to a robust oral hygiene routine, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups
– Being a non-smoker, which is important since smoking makes
someone more likely to experience gum disease and hinders the healing process, reducing your likelihood of successful dental implants
If you would like to discover if you are a good candidate for dental implants, please call our offices to schedule a confidential consultation today.