Am I A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants have revolutionized the way we think about restoring missing teeth. Offering durability, stability, and a look and feel that mimic natural teeth, dental implants are a popular choice for those looking to improve their dental health and confidence. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure. While we here at Frankie Neman DDS do not place implants, we can refer you to a periodontist or surgeon that can evaluate and help determine if you are a good candidate. Once the implant is placed, fully healed, and ready for restoration, we take the impression and then place the implant crown. If you’re considering implants, here’s what you need to know to determine if they might be right for you.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking.
Key Criteria for Dental Implant Candidates
- Healthy Gums: Candidates for dental implants must have healthy gums. Gum disease can severely weaken the foundation necessary for implants to be successful.
- Adequate Bone Density: You must have enough bone to hold the implant. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, you may require a bone graft before you can have an implant placed.
- Good Oral Hygiene Practices: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants.
- Non-Smoker: Smoking can affect the healing process of an implant, so non-smokers or those who can quit during the implant process are typically better candidates.
- Overall Health: Ideal candidates are generally in good health. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients who receive heavy therapy or radiation treatment to the head/neck area may be unsuitable for dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.
- Speech Improvement: With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
- Comfort: Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
- Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
- Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
- Oral Health Enhancement: Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
Evaluating Your Suitability for Dental Implants
At Frankie Neman DDS, known for providing exceptional dental care Brentwood residents trust, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation not only assesses your oral health and bone density but also involves discussing your health history and lifestyle habits that could influence what treatment plan would be best suited for you.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
If it turns out you’re not an ideal candidate for implants, there are other options available that can also provide improvements to your dental health and appearance:
- Bridges: Dental bridges can be used to replace missing teeth without surgery. They rely on adjacent teeth for support and can be a good option if those neighboring teeth have large fillings and need crowns or caps in the future.
- Dentures: Modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before. They can be a viable option for individuals with inadequate bone structure or other conditions that preclude placing implants.
Why Choose Dental Implants in Brentwood?
Choosing to get implants is a significant decision that can greatly improve your quality of life. By selecting Frankie Neman DDS for your dental care in Brentwood, you are choosing a team that prioritizes patient care, attention to detail, and customized treatment plans. We are committed to ensuring our patients are not only satisfied with the aesthetics of their dental implants but also benefit from improved oral health and functionality.
If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, contact us today at Frankie Neman DDS. Let us help you explore your options and discover if dental implants can restore the function and beauty of your smile.