Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing or damaged teeth. If you need to have one or more teeth replaced to restore your smile and dental function, implants are the highest quality option available in dentistry.
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering if you are a candidate for them in the first place. There are specific criteria that must be met for a person to be eligible for a dental implant restoration. Learn how to find out if you qualify.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of a titanium post that replaces the natural root of a tooth. The implant is surgically placed in your jaw where it fuses with the bone. The bond formed between the implant and bone is extremely strong, providing a solid anchor for a dental crown. The chewing strength is equivalent to your natural teeth.
Multiple dental implants can be placed in strategic locations in the jaw to support a bridge, partial dentures, or full arch dentures according to your needs. You can replace anywhere from a single tooth to a full mouth of missing teeth with a fully functional, natural looking prosthetic.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Natural function. Dental implants allow you to eat the foods you enjoy. They function as closely as possible to your natural teeth, more so than any other dental prosthetic.
- Natural appearance. A dental implant looks natural because it is anchored in your jaw the same way that your own teeth are. Quality materials resemble tooth enamel for a realistic appearance.
- Prevents bone loss in the jaw. The way that dental implants fuse with the jaw bone prevents bone loss from occurring as it would in the absence of teeth. This keeps your jaw strong and maintains your facial structure.
- No negative effect on healthy teeth. Dental implants do not rely on healthy teeth for support, as opposed to bridges and clip on dentures that can cause damage over time.
Candidacy Criteria:
- Good Overall Health: A person with good overall health is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Good health improves the osseointegration (fusion with the bone) process and speeds healing and recovery.
- Adequate Bone Density: It is necessary to have sufficient bone width and density to place a dental implant. If one or more teeth have been missing for more than a few weeks or months, the slow process of resorption (dissolving of the bone) will be in progress, meaning you may not be an ideal candidate for dental implants.
- Healthy Gums: To be a good candidate for dental implants you must have healthy gums. Patients with signs of gum disease are not immediately ready for dental implants.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: It is imperative that you keep your teeth clean after getting dental implants. The success of your restoration depends on maintaining good oral health.
Consultation and Evaluation:
To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, you’ll need an evaluation performed by a dentist who has experience with implant placement. The evaluation will include dental X-rays to assess the density of your jaw.
If it is determined that your jaw is not ready to support a dental implant, you may still be eligible after some preparatory procedures. Bone grafting is a common solution for bone loss. It involves the placement of a bone fragment on top of the existing bone that encourages regeneration of bone tissue.
Other preparatory procedures may include treatment for gum disease and extraction of teeth that are too decayed or damaged to be saved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
Once they have fully fused with the bone, dental implants can last a lifetime. The bond between the implant and bone is solid and stands the test of time, as long as oral health and overall health is maintained.
What type of anesthesia is used for dental implant placement?
Dental implants can be placed with local anesthesia in most cases. Patients who are anxious or those receiving multiple implants in a single appointment may be more comfortable with some light sedation.
At Kalmar Family Dentistry we believe that all patients should have access to the best dental treatment available. We take an individual approach to dentistry that allows us to meet the unique needs of each patient with personalized care. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Dental implants provide a replacement for teeth that are missing or can’t be saved with restorative procedures. Superior to other dental prosthetics in a variety of ways, implants are considered the gold standard. If you’re considering dental implants or if you have an upcoming appointment to receive one or more implants, this guide will provide you with the information you need.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone to replace the natural roots of missing teeth. An implant is essentially a small titanium screw that fuses with the bone to form a secure anchor for a dental prosthetic. A single implant can replace one tooth by supporting a dental crown. Multiple implants can support a bridge or dentures to replace anywhere from a few to all of your teeth. Doctors at Kalmar Family Dentistry have relationships with local oral surgeons or periodontists in order to complete this process properly.
The Dental Implant Process
In most cases, the process for getting dental implants requires multiple steps over the course of months.
- Consultation and Evaluation. The process begins with a consultation and evaluation to determine if you are interested in dental implants and whether or not they are the best tooth replacement option for you.
- Preparatory Procedures. If the current state of your oral health is not ideal for dental implants, some preparatory procedures may be necessary. For example, if you have bone loss in your jaw, bone grafting may be required to regenerate bone tissue.
- Placement of the Implants. If or when your jaw is ready to receive it, your dental implant can be surgically placed. You may receive one or multiple implants in a single appointment.
- Adding the Abutment. Typically 4-6 months after the placement of your implant, it has time to fuse with the bone and the abutment can be added. This is the post that connects the implant to the prosthetic/crown. Prior to doing this an impression or digital scan is completed in order to communicate with the dental laboratory the exact position of the implant(s) and the surrounding teeth.
- Attaching the Permanent Prosthetic. A few weeks after, the abutment and the permanent prosthetic can be attached.
The Procedure for Placing an Implant
For the dental implant placement procedure, local anesthesia is used to numb the nerves. The implant is carefully and precisely placed in the jaw at the correct angle and depth. The gum tissue is closed over the implant to allow proper healing.
Recovery After Dental Implant Placement
After dental implant placement you may need 24-48 hours to rest and recover, depending on how you feel. It can take anywhere from 2-3 weeks for the gum tissue to fully heal. It is best to eat a soft diet for the first few days to a week after your dental implant placement procedure. Over the course of the next few months the implant will fuse with the bone to form a solid bond.
Completing Your Restoration
When the process of osseointegration (fusion with the bone) is complete, the abutment and permanent restoration can be attached, and you’ll have a fully restored smile with a natural appearance and function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
Once a dental implant fuses with the jaw bone, it can last for the rest of your life. The prosthetic portion attached to the implant may need to be replaced over time as the wear and tear of chewing takes its toll. Although dental implants will not decay they can be affected by gum/bone problems, periodontal disease, and need to be maintained properly to get the longest life of them.
Are dental implants worth it?
Dental implants provide a look and function that rivals your natural teeth. They are anchored in your jaw for a secure hold, allowing you to eat the foods you enjoy.