Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are attractive, fully functional replacements for damaged or missing teeth. With dental implants, you can speak, chew, and smile just as you would with natural teeth.

Many patients with compromised teeth want to know whether they are good candidates for these advanced restorations. Most patients can receive dental implants successfully, but there are a few considerations to remember.

Successful candidates for dental implants share the following characteristics:

Teeth That Need Replacement

Implants may be an excellent solution if you have missing teeth or teeth that sustained too much damage for repair with standard restorative techniques like crowns and fillings.

Sufficient Bone Mass

You will need sufficient bone mass to anchor the post to your jawbone to receive dental implants. If your dentist examines your jawbone and determines it has atrophied, a dental bone graft should help you regain mass and build your jawbone back to its original strength.

Good Oral Health

Patients who want dental implants must do everything possible to improve their oral health. If you have uncontrolled gum disease or tooth decay, you may not be able to receive implants until your dentist has helped you resolve these issues.

Healthy Enough for Surgery

Dental implants require oral surgery. Ideally, you should be in good health before the procedure. If you have any medical conditions, please consult your dentist and your primary care doctor to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. Certain conditions that may delay or prevent implant surgery include cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease.

Non-Smoker or Willing to Permanently Quit

Nicotine use interferes with healing, making implants less likely to succeed. If you want to receive dental implants, please talk to your dentist or primary care doctor to create a plan to quit using tobacco of any kind.

Types of Dental Implants

Dental implants come in several varieties. Your dentist will help you determine which type is most appropriate for you.

Single-Tooth Dental Implants

This type of dental implant replaces one tooth, including the root. A titanium screw bonds with the jawbone, creating a solid foundation. The dentist applies a crown to the top of the implant to complete the process.

Implant-Supported Bridges

These bridges have implants on either side instead of connecting to prepared natural teeth with crowns. Implant-supported bridges are sturdier and last longer than standard dental bridges.

Implant-Supported Dentures

These dentures do not slip, making chewing and talking more natural. Just a few implants can anchor an entire arch of dentures.

Call College Street Smiles

Dental implants can transform how you look and feel about yourself. They are beautiful, durable, and practical. If you want to learn more about how dental implants can raise your quality of life and improve your smile, please call our Dickson, TN, office at 615-446-7878.