Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
For patients who are missing teeth, they may feel uncomfortable about the way that they look and how their smile functions throughout the day. If you’re lacking dentition, you might avoid seeing or meeting people, and you’ll find that you have to give up certain foods because they’re impossible to chew and eat. Rather than have to wear a partial denture or compromise other natural teeth, we can easily place one or more dental implants. Implants have become a go-to option for many who are missing their natural teeth and want a permanent solution to the problem.
How Dental Implants Work
The way that dental implants work is through a process known as osseointegration. The titanium implant is inserted into the jawbone during oral surgery. Over the course of about three to six months, the implant integrates and fuses with the surrounding bone. This ensures that the implant is securely and firmly in place so that you can have a fully restored smile. Once the implant has bonded with the bone itself, we can make a restoration that will sit over top of it. This might be a single dental crown for just one missing tooth, or it can involve bridge work or dentures. It’s not uncommon for denture patients to use implants as a way to keep their prosthetic appliances in place.
What Makes You a Good Candidate for Implants?
In order for osseointegration to work properly, patients need healthy, solid bone structure. If you have low-lying sinuses or have areas of bone loss in and around the jaw, you might require either a sinus lift or a bone grafting prior to having the implant placed. Once the grafting has been done, the implant will have enough bone to bond with over time. The best way for us to determine if you have enough bone for the implant is with a dental x-ray. The x-ray gives us a clear view of the health of your jawbone and whether or not implants are right for you. Likewise, you should be healthy enough to both undergo the surgery itself as well as be able to heal from it after the implant has been placed. Most patients who want or need implants can safely come in for treatment.
If you’re interested in implants and would like to come in for a consultation, call us right away so that one of our staff members can further assist you.