Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or other oral health issues. At The Smile Center in Virginia Beach, VA, Dr. Scott Parr and Dr. Tara Frey place and restore dental implants to improve patients’ oral health and appearance.
You might be wondering if implant dentistry is right for you. Read on to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
You Are Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can make it harder to chew your food properly, and make it difficult to pronounce certain words. They can also impact the appearance of your smile, especially if they are in visible areas like the front teeth.
Dental Health Issues Caused by Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can also result in oral health problems. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth can shift and move out of their normal position, leading to a misaligned bite. In addition, the bone in the jaw that supported the tooth can begin to deteriorate, leading to changes in the appearance of the face.
It is important to seek treatment for missing teeth to prevent these problems and maintain good oral health. Dental implants are an effective solution because the titanium posts are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots. The implants are then topped with a dental crown, bridge, or denture to improve the appearance and function of your smile.
You Have Sufficient Jawbone Density
Sufficient jawbone density is an important factor when considering dental implants. The implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, and they need to fuse with the bone to create a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. If the jawbone is not dense enough, the implant may not be able to fuse properly, leading to implant failure.
Bone Grafting to Build Jawbone Density
In cases where there is insufficient jawbone density, bone grafting may be required before the implant can be placed. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the area to stimulate new bone growth and increase the density of the jawbone. This process can take several months before the jawbone is dense enough to support the implant.
You Have Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are an important factor when considering dental implants. The gums need to be healthy and free from disease to ensure that the implants are successful and to prevent complications such as implant failure or gum recession.
Checking for Periodontal Disease
Before placing the dental implants, our Virginia Beach dentists will conduct a thorough examination of your gums to ensure they are healthy. If there are signs of gum disease, such as inflammation, bleeding, or infection, the gum disease must be treated before the implants can be placed.
Treatment for gum disease may include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, or antibiotics.
You Are a Non-Smoker
Smoking can affect the healing process after dental implant surgery by reducing blood flow and oxygen to the surgical site, which can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. It can also interfere with the osseointegration process, which is the process by which the implant fuses with the jawbone.
If you are a smoker, it is important to quit smoking before and after dental implant surgery.
You Are in Good General Health
This treatment is a surgical procedure that requires good general health to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome.
Some health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or immune disorders, can increase the risk of complications during and after dental implant surgery.
You Are Committed to Good Aftercare
Maintaining good oral health is also important after dental implants have been placed. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
Regular visits to the dentist or periodontist for professional cleanings and check-ups are also important for maintaining healthy gums and ensuring the long-term success of the implants.
Want to Learn More About Dental Implants?
To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, contact The Smile Center in Virginia Beach. Call us at (757) 473-8482 or send us a message online.
