Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Of the most common treatments for missing teeth - a dental bridge, dentures or dental implants - the latter is the only one that requires surgery. But, the advantage to dental implants is that they look, feel and perform like your natural teeth. As desirable as permanently rooted teeth are, certain factors may affect how successful dental implants would be for your specific needs. Helping determine who is a good candidate for dental implants is something Dr. Chapnick takes very seriously.
Choosing the Right Implant Dentist
Dental implants are a permanent surgical procedure. As with any medical procedure you are wise to research and choose your implant dentist carefully. Dental implants take many months to complete so you want the most qualified dentist determining if you are a candidate for implants.
Dental Implant Candidacy
If you are missing one or more adult teeth, other than a third molar, you have met the first criteria as a candidate for a dental implant. In addition, you must have adequate bone to support an implant and be willing to commit to good oral hygiene.
Being in good general health prior to undergoing any surgery including a single dental implant is also important. During the surgical portion of the procedure, the implant dentist places the implant into your jawbone. The bone then must grow around the dental implant to secure it. This can take between 3 and 6 months. Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, leukemia or autoimmune diseases, as well as some medications can prevent proper healing and cause the dental implant to fail.
Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant process is spread out over several months to allow for adequate healing. Once the dental implant has been placed in the jawbone, the implant dentist closes the gum tissue over it. One implant can hold two teeth. If you are having a full arch implanted, several can be placed at one time. You will need to wear a temporary denture until swelling has gone down and the bone growth has secured the implants in place.
When healing is complete your implant dentist will place posts on the implants. This involves uncovering the implant to place the posts, so the gums must again heal before the dental crowns can be attached. If your implant dentist uses implants that have posts permanently attached, this step can be eliminated.
If you smoke, you will have to quit several weeks before beginning surgery. You need good blood circulation to heal from surgery, and smoking impedes healing by constricting blood vessels. Smoking also puts you at greater risk of gum disease, which weakens bone and tissue.
Types of Dental Implants
There are three types of implants for your implant dentist to choose from. If you are not a good candidate for one, another option may be better suited to your needs.
Root Form Implants: Similar in shape and size to natural roots, they require a deep and wide jawbone.
Plate Form Implants: Intended for a narrow jawbone, these implants are flat, deep and about the length of the tooth from front to back.
Subperiosteal Implants: Jawbones that are too short or narrow for an implant might be able to support this dental implant which sits on top of the jawbone and under the gums.
Your choice of implant dentist is critical to the outcome of your implant procedure. Having an experienced implant dentist determining your qualifications for dental implants and choosing the right procedure means you will be happy with the results when the implant procedure is complete.
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