Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

dental implants

 

Tooth loss affects many individuals in the United States. If you think you are one of the people with this type of dental problem, perhaps you have been considering having a dental implant. A new smile may be waiting for you soon. Here are a few things you need to know about dental implants.

 

Good Gums and the Right Age

Even if you need to replace all your teeth, there is no problem at all. Dental implants can replace dentures and bridges. Most people are good candidates for dental implants. Healthy gums and good bone density are required to keep the implants in place. By now, you are at the age when your jawbone has already stopped growing. In case you have lost some bone in your jaw, you can still be a good candidate for dental implants. Studies have shown that dental implants may prevent more bone loss. Bone can be reconstructed with certain grafting methods to complete the implanting process.

 

Good Health

Before you can get dental implants, your general health, mouth, jaw, and teeth must be evaluated. You may be subjected to a CT scan. Your mouth must have an X-ray as well. These diagnostic exams will pinpoint various areas of bone loss. Through these tests, your doctor will see every nerve location, as well as the shape of our sinuses. All these are required to make the right decisions for your procedure. A general health assessment and the taking of your medical history will help determine the success of your dental implant’s healing and fusion to your bone.


 

Free of Underlying Conditions

If you smoke, and you have uncontrolled gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or alcoholism, there is a chance that the outcome may have adverse effects. Even if you have any of the mentioned conditions, you will still be evaluated to improve your health. Once your health has improved, you will be evaluated again to see if you can get your implants. If you take certain drugs, such as steroids that are known to suppress immunity, you may not be a good candidate. Dental implants may not be an option for you either if you clench or grind your teeth. Such habits can give way to lasting damage to the implants.


 

The Options

Your dentist and periodontist will talk to you about your options. They will explain where and how your dental implant will be attached. Your physicians will also create your personal treatment plan based on your chosen implant and your health condition. The options are ridge modification, sinus augmentation, complete replacement, replacement of several teeth, and single tooth replacement.

 

In most cases, dental implant procedures have high success rates. You can ask one of our satisfied patients who now have great new smiles. We, at Marietta Smile Gallery only want what’s best for your oral health. You can call us at 770-809-1500 to set up an appointment. Also, feel free to drop by our office in Marietta, Georgia, if you want to take a look at our amenities or consult with our experts.