We strive to help our patients enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. For those who have lost one or more teeth, we can help replace them with dental implants, the most lifelike option for addressing tooth loss. However, candidates do need to meet certain criteria to receive dental implants. What makes an implant candidate?
Placing and Restoring Dental Implants
There are two main steps to receiving a dental implant: placement and restoration. For placement, we will work with an oral surgeon, who inserts the implant post into the jawbone. Ove the course of four to six months the post will bond with the jawbone, securing the new tooth like a natural one. Next, we will design and fabricate a lifelike restoration. Using CEREC technology, we can create and place the restoration in a single visit, completing your new tooth.
The Dangers of Gum Disease
To qualify for treatment we must first assess the health of your gums. While gingivitis can be reversed and minor cases of gum disease can be successfully managed, advanced stages of periodontal disease can be a problem. Periodontitis, or the advanced stage of the disease, can impact the connective tissues between the gums and teeth and even affect the jawbone tissue itself. Soon, natural teeth can become lost and your implant can fail.
Assessing Jawbone Strength
Likewise, we need to see how strong your jawbone is. Following tooth loss, the jawbone often dissolves as the body stops supplying the area around the tooth with doses of calcium and phosphorus. The weakened jawbone may not be able to support a new tooth. Some patients may require a bone grafting procedure prior to placement. Fortunately, receiving the implant can mean stimulating the growth of jawbone tissue and preserving your facial structure.
