July 31, 2024
Are you considering dental implants? Dental implants replace teeth that are missing, severely decayed, or damaged. Your dentist may have recommended implants if you have one or more teeth that can’t be saved. Wondering if you might be a candidate for dental implants? Here’s what you need to know about eligibility.
What Are Dental Implants?
To understand what it takes to be a candidate for dental implants it helps to understand what they are and how they work. A dental implant is a titanium post shaped like a screw with threads that help it fuse with the bone of your jaw. The implant takes the place of your natural tooth root, providing a secure anchor for a dental prosthetic. A single implant can replace one tooth and multiple implants can support a bridge or dentures.Requirements for Dental Implant Eligibility
To be a candidate for dental implants, some basic requirements need to be met, such as:- Adequate bone height, width and density. For a dental implant to be successful, the jaw bone must be wide enough and strong enough to support it.
- Healthy gums. It is necessary to have good oral health. If you have active gum disease, you are not a good candidate for dental implants.
- Non-smoker. Smoking is a risk factor for dental implants. If you smoke, your dental implants are less likely to bond and heal successfully.
Alternative Options
If you are not eligible for dental implants upon first evaluation, you still have plenty of options:- Dental Bridge. If you are not a candidate for a dental implant, a bridge can replace a tooth, using the healthy teeth on each side of the gap for support.
- Traditional Dentures. If you need multiple teeth replaced but don’t qualify for dental implants, you can always opt for conventional dentures.
- Bone Grafting. If you are not eligible for dental implants due to a lack of bone density, bone grafting is a procedure that can regenerate lost bone tissue to make dental implants possible.
- Quit Smoking. If being a smoker is stopping you from getting dental implants, consider quitting. Many insurance plans offer smoking cessation assistance.
- Seek Treatment for Gum Disease. If existing gum disease prevents you from being an ideal candidate for dental implants, treatment is available to manage the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last? Dental implants are designed to last for 30 years or more. But in many cases, they last for the rest of the patient’s life. If you’re considering investing in dental implants, you are making a lifelong investment in your oral health. What makes dental implants better than bridges or dentures? A bridge requires the healthy teeth to be reduced in size so that the crowns on each end of the bridge can fit over them. This eventually takes its toll on the support teeth, resulting in damage. Implant-supported dentures are more secure than traditional dentures for eating and talking. These are just a few of the reasons that dental implants are worth it.Why Go To a Periodontist for Dental Implants?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treatments that affect the support structures for the teeth, primarily the gums and jaw bone. Dental implants require not only adequate bone but delicate manipulation of the gum tissue for better esthetics and that is why a periodontist is uniquely qualified to place them. Dental Implants & Periodontology of Massapequa provides solutions for patients who are and are not ideal candidates for dental implants. Whatever the current state of your oral health, we can help you reach your dental goals.To learn more, call or
contact us today to schedule an appointment.