Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

02 Jan Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you’re familiar with dental implants, you probably recognize that they’re the best tooth replacement option available. They last for decades when maintained properly, and they preserve a natural tooth’s functionality in a way that alternatives like bridges and dentures cannot.

However, in order to take advantage of the benefits of dental implants in Grand Prairie TX, patients must meet certain conditions. 

First of all, patients must have a minimum amount of bone available into which the implant dentist can place the dental implant. Because they are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal, dental implants fuse with the bone, becoming a permanent fixture in the mouth. This osseointegration gives dental implants their stability, but it requires that enough bone be present to facilitate the process.

This condition may present a problem for some patients. When a tooth is lost, its root is no longer present to secure the jawbone. In the absence of the root, the jawbone will erode. If a tooth has been missing for a very long time, too much jawbone atrophy may have taken place, particularly if the implant site is toward the rear of the upper jaw. Bone resorption progresses most quickly in this area.

Fortunately, extensive bone loss does not automatically disqualify patients from receiving dental implants. A preliminary procedure, such as a bone graft or sinus augmentation, to supplement the remaining bone might be recommended. After the patient heals sufficiently from the initial surgery, the implant dentist can then place the implants.

In addition to adequate remaining jawbone, dental implant patients must meet other conditions before they can undergo the procedure. As is the case with any surgery, dental implant patients must be in good enough health to tolerate the procedure. Furthermore, specific oral health problems, such as uncontrolled gum disease, will need to be addressed prior to dental implant placement.

It’s important for patients who are considering dental implants to be fully aware of the process and all that it entails. To learn more about dental implants and to schedule a consultation, contact our experienced dental team today.