Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Have you lost one or more teeth? Would you like a durable option for teeth replacement? If so, dental implants may be the way to go. Millions of Americans suffer tooth loss every year due to various causes. For quite a long time, dentures and bridges were the only options for replacing missing teeth. 

But since their introduction into dentistry, dental implants have become the best option for replacing missing teeth. They offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for people with missing teeth. They are ideal because they can last your entire life and are very low maintenance. You only need to have a good oral hygiene routine to keep them healthy.

Advantages of Dental Implants 

They Improve Appearance

Orthodontists design dental implants to look and feel like natural teeth. This means you can restore your smile to its original look. Because they are permanent, you will not have to worry about them falling out.

They Improve Speech

Unlike dentures that can be poor fitting, implants do not interfere with your speech. Your speech might also have been affected by your missing teeth. 

They Improve Oral Comfort

Unlike removable dentures, dental implants fit in your mouth naturally. You feel comfortable when you have them, as you would your natural teeth.

It Is Easier to Eat

Orthodontists design dental implants to be sturdy. This ensures that you can chew without the fear of them breaking or chipping. A missing tooth might have made chewing difficult, but this is fixed with implants.

Despite their ability to replace almost all teeth, dental implants are not for everybody. You will need to satisfy a few requirements to be eligible to receive them.

How Do I Know I Am a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Do You Have Healthy Gums?

One of the first things that the orthodontist will check is the health of your gums. Before they proceed with dental implants, they have to ensure that you have healthy gums. The dental implants will need to sit in your gums. If your gums are not healthy, there might be issues with the implants. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, the orthodontist will have to treat that first.

Do You Have Sufficient Bone Density?

The jawbone of a patient looking to receive dental implants should be healthy. The dental implants will be surgically placed into the jawbone, so the bone density needs to be enough to hold the implant. 

It also needs to be healthy enough to bond with the titanium alloy of the implant. The orthodontist may suggest a bone graft if you lack adequate bone density. They might use artificial bone for grafting or use real bone.

Do You Use Tobacco?

Another thing that can affect your eligibility for dental implants is tobacco use. The use of tobacco is detrimental to your oral health. Tobacco affects how efficiently the body heals from surgery. This is an essential requirement for dental implants. 

Usually, the orthodontist will advise you to quit smoking for a few months before receiving the surgery. You will also need to stop for a period after the surgery to allow the implant to heal.

For more on being a candidate for dental implants, visit PerioAtlanta at our office in Atlanta, Georgia. You can also call (404) 352-3123 to book an appointment today.