Find Out if You Qualify for Dental Implants

If you are looking to improve your smile, dental implants may be the ideal solution. From cosmetic improvements to increased dental health, it is no wonder so many people opt for implants as the answer to their dental dilemmas. But before you can start your journey towards a healthier and brighter smile, you must first figure out if you are actually a candidate for dental implants. Are you curious to find out whether or not you qualify? Let’s explore everything you need to know about being a candidate for dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Before looking into whether you are a good candidate for implants, let’s take a second to explain what dental implants actually are. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that replace missing teeth and provide support for artificial replacements. Implants consist of titanium posts which act as the replacement root and attaching abutments. The abutment is used to hold the new prosthetic tooth or crown in place.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Generally, the best candidates for dental implants are people who have healthy gums and enough bone density to support the implant. However, there are many factors that determine if you’ll be an ideal candidate for them or not, such as your age, medical history, lifestyle and more. Your dentist can best determine if you are a good candidate for implants after they’ve examined your mouth. If you do meet all the requirements necessary to be a candidate for them, then congratulations! You have taken the first step towards achieving a healthy and beautiful smile with the help of dental implants. In general, dental implants may be right for you if you have:

• One or more missing teeth
• A jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
• Healthy oral tissues
• No health conditions that will affect bone healing
• An inability or are unwilling to wear dentures
• A want to improve your speech
• The ability to commit several months to the process

If you don’t meet the criteria to be a candidate, don’t worry—there are other cosmetic and restorative dental treatments available that can help you get your desired smile.

The Process of Getting Dental Implants

Your dentist will advise you on the best method to place the dental implants. In certain cases, it is possible to have the implant placed and the tooth (crown) inserted on the same day. However, it is common for the implant procedure to happen in multiple appointments that are usually several months apart.

Step one:

In the first phase, the surgical placement of the implant, you’ll be given local anesthesia to numb your mouth, or you’ll receive IV sedation. That way you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

The dentist makes a cut in your gums to place the implant into the jawbone in the location of your missing tooth. Once it’s placed, the dentist closes the gums over the implant so that it remains covered. You’ll recover at home and will probably come back for the second phase of the procedure in a few months. That gives enough time for the bone to grow around the implant, making it strong enough to stay in place. This process is called osseointegration, meaning the titanium combines with the bone. Each patient heals differently, so it can take up to six months before the replacement teeth can be placed. In some cases, a patient can have everything placed in one appointment.

Step two:

The dentist will examine you to make sure that the implant is secure. Then, they’ll place a connecting piece called an abutment over the post portion of the implant. This is the part that will hold the new tooth.

Step three:

When your gums heal, the dentist will make impressions of your teeth. They’ll create a custom replacement tooth, also called a crown. The crown is then attached to the abutment.

Once you have completed the process, you can enjoy your new smile! Dental implants not only improve the appearance of your teeth, but they also provide a more stable and secure foundation of support for replacement teeth. They can even help preserve facial structure and prevent bone erosion that usually results from tooth loss. So if you think dental implants may be right for you, talk to your dentist today and find out if you qualify.

Make an Appointment with Glacier Creek Dental

At Glacier Creek Dental, we understand how difficult it can be to live with missing teeth. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile with the help of dental implants. If you think you may be a candidate for dental implants, contact us today and make an appointment!