Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are considered today's gold standard for tooth replacement. They are durable, fully functional, and feel like natural teeth.
Many patients with damaged or missing teeth want to know whether they are good candidates for the dental implant procedure. This blog will share the characteristics of suitable candidates and explain how dental implants can work for you.
Good Candidates for Dental Implants
The following patients are the best fit for dental implants:
- One or more missing or damaged teeth
- Good overall health
- Excellent oral hygiene
- No untreated tooth decay or gum disease
- Sufficient bone mass or the ability to receive a bone graft
- No severe health conditions that impede healing, like diabetes and cancer
- Non-smoker or able to quit
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant is a titanium post that gently screws into the jawbone. The post replaces the tooth's natural root, providing the chewing stimulation that the bone needs to stay healthy. On top of the post, a stainless steel abutment holds a dental crown that replaces the tooth's visible portion.
Dental implants bond with the patient's jawbone in a natural process called osseointegration. This process takes about six months and ensures a sturdy, long-lasting dental implant. Osseointegration also prevents the jawbone from breaking down around the socket, keeping it vital and strong.
Types of Dental Implants
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
Each single-tooth implant has an individual post and crown. These implants are excellent for patients missing one or more adjacent teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridges
An implant-supported bridge may be the most convenient option for a few missing teeth. The implant-supported crowns on either side of the gap hold pontics or artificial teeth in the middle. Implant-supported bridges are more efficient than single-tooth implants if you have a gap of more than two teeth in a row.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, we can help you by providing implant-supported dentures. These implants offer replacement teeth that sit on only four to six posts. An implant-supported denture does not cover the roof of the mouth, making chewing functions more straightforward and natural.
Enhancing Your Smile With Dental Implants
Dental implants provide incredibly lifelike tooth replacement. They are beautiful, long-lasting, and fully functional. If you choose between dentures and implants, we encourage you to examine implants and decide which appliance works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Why should I quit smoking before getting dental implants?
Tobacco use impairs blood flow to surgical sites, meaning that it slows the healing process. Patients who smoke are far more likely to experience implant failure.
Are dental implants permanent?
With excellent care, the implant post may last a lifetime. Depending on wear and tear, the crown on top may need replacement in eight to ten years. Patients who grind their teeth should expect more frequent replacements.
Call Ridgeview Family Dental
If you want to replace your damaged or missing teeth, please call our Jonesborough, TN, office at 423-753-9191 today. We would love to show you how dental implants can boost your quality of life.