Losing even a single tooth can mean serious complications for your oral health, including an aged appearance. In order to address this, we may recommend a dental implant. Can anyone receive a dental implant? There are a number of factors we take into account before prescribing dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Question: When do you recommend them?
Answer: When a patient loses one or more teeth, then we may look into their candidacy for dental implants. While there are other options available, when possible we like to recommend implants due to their strength, lifelike appearance, and long lasting nature. We can use them to provide replacement for a single tooth or to even secure a fixed prosthetic, including bridges or dentures.
Question: Does gum health factor into candidacy?
Answer: Yes. Since the new teeth are inserted into the jaw and act like natural roots, your gum health is paramount. Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can lead to tooth loss and implant failure. We will need to assess the health of your gums before moving forward.
Question: What if I have lost jawbone density?
Answer: When you lose one or more teeth, you also lose jaw density since the body stops supplying the surrounding jawbone with doses of calcium and phosphorus. Eventually, this can leave you with not enough jawbone to support a new tooth, unless you receive a bone grafting procedure.
Question: How does placement happen?
Answer: First, we select the best area for placement and an oral surgeon surgically inserts the implant into the jawbone. We then wait between three and six months for the area to heal and the jawbone to bond with the post, a process known as osseointegration. Finally, we place the restoration or prosthetic to complete the new tooth/teeth.
