Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Distinctive Dental Solutions completes restorative dental work to better our patients’ lives. Dental implants are sometimes recommended for those who are missing teeth. Dental implants can be quite a financial investment, however, so you may wonder if they are truly right for you. Fully understanding what dental implants are and what they do can aid you in a decision. As you consider your options, keep the potential benefits of dental implants in mind.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular treatment for tooth loss. People lose teeth due to many reasons, including dental decay and gum disease. Dental implants are made up of an artificial tooth root that is inserted into your jawbone to provide a strong, long-lasting foundation for a new tooth. Since it replaces both the tooth and the root, an implant is different from other methods of replacing teeth.
If you don’t replace a missing tooth, it may lead to a chain reaction of changes to your oral health. One small shift will lead to more and more, altering the way your teeth and mouth function as a whole. Changes to your bite can result in issues with your dental occlusion, which can result in a number of issues that have an impact on your life beyond just your mouth.
When Are Dental Implants Needed?
Missing teeth can have long-lasting impacts on your jaw’s structure and your mouth’s function. As time goes on, a missing tooth can become a major issue, so it’s best to address it sooner rather than later. People who cannot get or don’t want bridges, crowns or dentures will need dental implants.
In addition to dental implants’ aesthetic benefits, they also support your bite and mouth’s function. Every tooth will stay in place with a dental implant there to prevent shifting. Furthermore, dental implants stabilize the jaw and prevent deterioration. The pressure of chewing helps to preserve the jawbone, so by replacing a tooth and restoring your mouth’s natural chewing abilities, you can support your long-term dental health.
You may also select dental implants for their aesthetic benefits. A gap in your smile may understandably leave you feeling self-conscious about the way it looks. Your self-esteem is important, and dental implants allow you to eat, smile and laugh without discomfort or stress.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Candidates for dental implants should fulfill the following requirements:
- You are an adult or adolescent whose jawbone and face have stopped growing.
- Your jawbone contains enough bone to support a bone graft or implants.
- Your gums are healthy and you’re overall in good health.
- You do not smoke.
Our dentists will review your situation and determine if you are eligible.
Speak to a Dentist
Deciding if implants are right for you can be difficult without the proper information. Distinctive Dental Solutions helps you understand your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members.