Many people who are missing teeth have, at one time or another, considered dental implants. We here at Revive Dental and Implant Center get a lot of calls from people asking what dental implants are and if they would qualify as candidates for implants. Let’s just talk about that a little bit here.
Dental Implants have been a successful means of dental restoration for over 40 years. Over time, the precision and the procedure itself have improved with advancements in digital radiography and 3D and 4D scanning technology. At present, the dental implant procedure is considered the prevailing method for replacing neglected, infected, or missing teeth.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Before we discuss giving you implants, we must establish that implants are the correct solution for the dental problem you have. Not all dental problems can be solved with dental implants, and not everyone is a candidate for them. So, what do we look for?
At the top of the list is the requirement that you be in satisfactory general health. If you have any health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, or you are on select prescription medications that might impede your post-surgical recuperation and healing, it’s likely that you might have to think about different tooth restoration options and treatments.
A dental implant candidate would need both acceptable jawbone mass and jawbone density. What does that mean? Dental implants need an adequate support structure within the jaw, and if you lack sufficient, strong, healthy bone, your implant may fail. In terms of jawbone density, the jawbone needs enough bone density to anchor the implant. If the issue is insufficient density, we may be able to perform a bone graft to help create the foundation needed for effective assimilation.
Healthy gums are vital for proper healing. If you have infected gums or gum disease that has been left untreated, this will stop the healing of the dental implant, which, of course, considerably diminishes the success of the restoration. If you have periodontal disease, you will have to get periodontal treatment prior to receiving your implants.
Last but certainly not least, you, the patient, must be certain that you can comply with the oral regimen necessary after the implant procedure. Your new dental implants will need the same level of ongoing care and maintenance as your natural teeth. This means you must brush for 2.5 minutes twice daily and floss at least once per day. If you smoke, you must quit. Not only will smoking negatively affect the healing process, but once healed, it can also cause the implant to fail because of the effect smoking has on your teeth and gums.
If you grind your teeth, let us know so we can implement corrective measures before the implant process. Usually, that would simply involve wearing a mouth guard when you sleep. You can also wear one while awake, or attempt to control it yourself.
Learn more about dental implants:
- Dental Implants in Charleston, WV
- Benefits of Tooth Replacement
- Bone Grafting
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Remote Anchorage Implants
- Multiple Teeth Implants
- Single Tooth Implants
- Trefoil Implant System
- Same Day Dental Implants
Not Sure If Implants Are Right for You? Let’s Find Out.
Dental implants are a successful solution for many patients, but they aren’t for everyone. At Revive Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Chad Boustany will evaluate your oral health, jawbone density, and overall medical history. He will determine if implants are the best option for you. If they’re not, we’ll help you explore alternatives.
Find out if you’re a candidate for a permanent smile. Call us at 304-396-6658 to schedule your consultation, or request an appointment online. We’ll answer your questions and help you understand your options.