When you lose one or more teeth, this change in your smile can majorly disrupt your life. You can carry a high risk of other oral health problems, have trouble completing oral functions, and suffer a blow to your self-esteem due to gaps in your smile.
You can receive comprehensive restorative dental benefits when you replace missing teeth with your dentist’s help and dental implants. However, not all patients can qualify for this type of treatment.
A dentist can evaluate your dental health to determine if implants will suit your unique oral health goals. Read on to find three qualities a dentist will look for in their patients before proceeding with tooth replacement through implant dentistry.
Who Makes an Ideal Dental Implant Patient?
Desiring Permanent Tooth Replacement
Dental implants feature a titanium post anchor that a dentist surgically inserts into a patient’s jaw. This will fuse with the bone there, creating a solid foundation that supports the prosthetic teeth. Because of the nature of this fixed device, dentists consider this to be a permanent solution.
The dental implant can last for longer than twenty years with proper care. Many patients appreciate that they do not have to worry about replacing the appliance or about it slipping out of place at an inopportune moment.
But other patients might not want to commit to such a long-lasting treatment. They might prefer the flexibility of a removable device like dentures. Consult with your dentist to learn what each restorative dental treatment can offer you.
Possessing Healthy Jawbone
The dental implant relies on the fusion of the anchor of the device with the jawbone. If this process does not occur properly, the implant could feel loose or become infected. This would require emergency removal from your dentist.
To avoid this problem, a dentist evaluates a patient’s jawbone health prior to the start of this treatment. They examine the jaw using x-ray imaging taken during a dental consultation.
Jawbone can deteriorate in the wake of tooth loss because a tooth root is missing and no longer stimulating the jaw. So if too much is gone for this reason, you cannot successfully support an implant. In this case, a dentist can offer alternative ways to treat tooth loss.
Exhibiting Commitment to the Implant Process
Implant dentistry involves a multi-step process that will include three or more dentist appointments over the course of several months. Before pursuing this tooth replacement treatment, you should understand that it will take some time before you see the results you desire.
Make sure you know that it takes commitment, patience, and focus on the final step to endure this treatment. You will need to attend an initial consult, oral surgery to receive the anchors, and then placement of your dental prosthetics after your recovery.
Your dentist will maintain open communication through each step so that you can stay confident and knowledgeable about your dental health. In the end, you will see a beautiful and full restoration of your smile.