Dental Implants Right for You?

Missing teeth not only negatively affects your self-image and your confidence but it can also make you feel very awkward when it comes to social occasions. Many people with gaps in their smiles do not feel comfortable when they are in public because they worry that other people are staring at them and are judging them. What you may not realize is that having missing teeth can lead to other problems such as bone and gum deterioration, the shifting of teeth and in serious cases, face shape alteration.

Implant dentistry is new and it has become one of the most sought after dental procedures around. It is a valuable investment and one that has a high success rate. In fact the success rate from the procedure has been shown to be between 90 to 95 percent. Making the decision to have a tooth replacement procedure such as dental implants as soon as possible after losing a tooth can prevent the need to have more costly treatments performed on your mouth in the future.

Some people are eligible candidates for dental implants while others are less so. The success of an implant is dependent on a variety of significant factors. Let us take a look at some of the basic items that play a role in whether a person will be a viable candidate for such a dental treatment.

Being in good overall health is an important consideration. Receiving dental implants is not a small thing but is instead a form of surgery just like any other. Those who drink alcohol, smoke, have diabetes or suffer from any other serious chronic condition may experience lower rates of success with implant dentistry because these conditions can decrease the oral health of an individual and can affect the rate at which a patient heals.

To have this treatment a patient requires adequate support of the bones. When dental implants are placed into the mouth they are fused with the jawbone which is required as an anchor for the tooth or teeth. For this reason the quality of the bone makes a difference as does having a sufficient amount of bone density. Those who do not have enough support would not be able to have implant surgery. This is something that your dentist can examine you for and then can discuss with you.

If patients do not have the right amount of bone support to have dental implants then there are other options to look at. Bone grafts can be considered as can be mini grafts. The dental provider will be able to advise the patient if they exhibit enough bone density to have the surgical procedure. Children are rarely good candidates for the placement of implants because the bones in their mouths have not finished growing. This is generally a procedure that is only done on adults.

Those who choose implants must be committed to taking excellent care of their teeth and gums. Above average dental hygiene is a requirement if you wish to have implant dentistry. This means following a daily brushing and flossing routine and visiting your dentist at least twice a year.