Tooth loss can occur to anyone … trauma from an accident; decay; disease … one or more lost teeth can impact day to day living. Dental implants can restore your ability to eat the foods you love, speak clearly, and smile with self-confidence.
There are some restrictions; a consultation with your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for this life changing dental procedure.
Age – Children are not suitable for dental implants. Bone maturity must have been reached before dental implants can be placed. It is important that the implant remain stationary; if bone growth has not been achieved, as the jaw grows, the implant may shift resulting in implant failure.
Gum disease – Patients that have experienced periodontitis may have suffered from bone loss. Lack of sufficient jaw bone for the implant to work does not automatically rule the procedure out. Bone can be enhanced through a procedure known as bone grafting.
Lifestyle habits – People that use tobacco may be unsuitable for dental implants. Smokers are more likely to experience gum disease than non-users making a successful implant procedure more risky. Smoking has been attributed to dental implant failure second only to infection.
Commitment – Patients that are unable to honor the time required to complete treatment may eliminate them as candidates. In addition, a commitment to a thorough daily hygiene regimen is needed to prevent the implant area from becoming infected.
Health – Your dentist will conduct a thorough dental exam; a questionnaire pertaining to your overall health will be included as well. Any serious health concerns may preclude you from the dental implant procedure, but generally if you’re healthy enough for teeth extraction, you will qualify.
The dental implant procedure involves embedding a titanium device in the jaw where tooth loss has occurred. Over the following few months, bone will grow surrounding the implant. This process is known as osseointegration. After healing is completed, the implant will be strong enough to support the restoration that will be placed to complete treatment.
Eating, speaking, and smiling will become a joyful experience. Our team at Family Smiles Dental Group will guide you from start to finish in helping restore your dental health.