Have you lost a tooth recently? You could hold a high risk of further oral health complications if you do not seek tooth replacement for missing teeth. You might also see a decline in your overall confidence if gaps disrupt your smile’s aesthetic and you suffer to complete your usual oral functions due to tooth loss.
Dental implants can provide highly effective and comprehensive restoration in the wake of tooth loss. But not all dental patients can qualify for this treatment.
Schedule an evaluation with your dentist to discover if dental implants are right for your specific dental needs. But you can also read on to learn three qualities that dentists look for before recommending implant dentistry as a tooth replacement solution for their patients.
Seeking Permanent Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are fixtures that use a titanium post anchor within the gums and jaw to support prosthetic teeth. Because of this internally based foundation with the anchor, dental implants are considered a permanent tooth replacement. Once in place, only a dentist can remove this device from the mouth.
Many people look forward to the long-term benefits that come with this type of restorative dental treatment. The prosthetic teeth can stay in place for twenty years or longer, offering cosmetic and structural enhancement to the smile.
But some people would prefer a removable tooth replacement option like dentures. Then they have the flexibility to take out oral appliances when not in use, such as during sleep. Discuss your preferences with your dentist to find the optimal treatment for your smile.
Stable and Strong Jawbone and Gums
Dental implants rely on the anchor to sustain the rest of the fixture. The anchor will fuse with the jawbone when a dentist implants the device into the mouth. The process occurs while you heal from the placement surgery.
In order for this fusion to happen successfully, you must have enough healthy gum tissue and jawbone to support the anchor. Missing teeth can cause bone in the jaw to deteriorate, and tooth loss often occurs due to gum disease, an infection that can destroy gum tissue.
Your dentist will evaluate your oral health to ensure you have not sustained too much damage to receive dental implants. They use x-ray imaging to obtain a clear view of the structure of the jaw. You may require a gum or bone graft to build stability in these areas before you can qualify for implant dentistry.
Exhibiting Patience and Commitment to the Implant Process
Due to the initial consultation, the anchor surgery, the recovery, and the prosthetic teeth placement, you likely can tell implant dentistry does not yield instant results. You will need to attend three or more appointments at your dentist’s office over several months to complete this treatment.
So the ideal dental implant candidate will understand each step of the process and exhibit patience throughout the treatment. They can do this by focusing on the incredible benefits they will experience at the end of the process. Learn more when you schedule a dental consultation today.