Have you lost one or more teeth? When you lose teeth you may need to talk to your dentist about a possible solution. Tooth loss can lead to a number of oral health complications, including an older appearance. To replace a lost tooth, we may recommend a dental implant. Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants Candidacy
Question: Will this address any form of tooth loss?
Answer: In many cases, yes. We can use them to replace a single lost tooth. We can also address the loss of multiple teeth by using them to secure a dental bridge. If you suffer from advanced or total tooth loss, multiple implant posts can be placed to support a fixed denture, restoring your ability to eat and speak without fear of embarrassing slippage.
Question: Does gum health impact candidacy?
Answer: Yes. If a patient has gum disease, the issue needs to be properly managed. Otherwise, the advanced stage, known as periodontitis, can form. Periodontitis can cause the connective tissue between your teeth and gums to dissolve, leading to tooth loss (and implant failure). We will need to assess the health of your gums before discussing treatment options.
Question: Will I need bone grafting?
Answer: If you lose several teeth you can suffer from jawbone loss, which leads to an older appearance due to facial collapse. Jawbone loss occurs because the body stops supplying doses of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone around the missing teeth, causing it to deteriorate. Bone grafting may be recommended to restore the lost tissue so your jaw can support a dental implant.
Question: How are they placed?
Answer: An oral surgeon will surgically insert the implant post into the jaw. After the area heals, which takes between four and six months, we will place an abutment, which holds the custom-made restoration in place.
