If you suffer from missing teeth or severely damaged teeth that are simply beyond repair, it’s likely that you’ve done some research and want to know if there’s a solution for you. After all, a damaged smile can take a dramatic blow on your confidence, and nobody deserves to feel like they can’t smile to the fullest simply because of the way their teeth look!
If you find yourself in this predicament, dental implants may be an option you should consider. Dental implant surgery is a great way to efficiently replace all missing or damaged teeth to get your smile back to looking its best. Better yet, this procedure can be completed in a single day! Before booking your appointment, you should take into account the various factors that may affect your candidacy, however.
Let’s take a look at some of the questions you should ask yourself to identify whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants.
How Dental Implants Work
In case you’re relatively new to the topic of dental implants, let’s discuss precisely what the procedure is and how it works.
Dental Implants are used for replacing a single tooth, several teeth, and or replacing all of your teeth. This is, in fact, a great option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to many factors. Our dental implants can be used for patients with bridges or removable dentures as well. Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. Becoming a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth and match the strength of a natural tooth.
Now on to the questions you should ask yourself.
Do You Have Damaged or Missing Teeth?
It goes without saying that to be considered a candidate for a dental implant procedure, you have actually to be in need of implants. This means that you should have damaged or missing teeth.
Additionally, those that are missing only a single tooth or only have one tooth in need of replacement aren’t candidates for this procedure. The dental implant procedure is meant to deliver drastic results to those in need of treatment for the entire upper arch, lower arch, or both.
Are You in Good Health?
The next question to ask yourself is whether or not you’re in good health. If your dentist doesn’t believe you to meet reasonable health standards, it is unlikely that they will recommend the dental implant procedure for you. In some cases, they may even directly prevent you from receiving this treatment. Your provider will take your past medical history into account when you inquire about booking an appointment for the procedure.
Some health conditions that could affect your candidacy for this procedure include:
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune deficiency
- Osteoporosis
Do You Have Present Bone Mass in Your Jaw?
Past dental implant procedures require that the bones of your jaw possess proper mass and density. Some patients have such existing damage to their jaw through the process of losing their teeth that they would not be eligible for these procedures.
If this is a concern to you, we have good news! Dental Implants do not require that your jaw fit a certain standard in regards to damage because it can directly fuse implants with stronger bone tissue. This is a huge plus as it eliminates the need for any form of bone grafting- saving you time and money!
Want to Learn More About Dental Implants?
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? If so, PerioLife Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is here to help! Our knowledgeable specialists can answer any of your questions. We’ll help you determine whether or not you are a candidate for this procedure and help to create a specialized treatment plan with your unique needs in mind!
Contact PerioLife Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today or stop by our office in Winter Haven to book an appointment today!
