Dental implants can serve as a replacement for missing teeth, delivering results that closely resemble and feel like natural teeth. Additionally, they help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting towards the gaps and becoming loose. Are Dental Implants Right for You? Factors to Consider.
Although dental implants are more costly than other tooth replacement options, they offer a longer-lasting solution and contribute to improved long-term aesthetics. Most individuals who are in good health and can undergo dental extraction or oral surgery are suitable candidates for dental implants.
However, smokers and those with uncontrolled health problems can interfere with healing. When considering dental implants, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential challenges and consult with a qualified dental professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Age
A dental implant is an artificial replacement used when a natural tooth is missing. It resembles a natural tooth in appearance, function, and comfort, providing unparalleled confidence. They also allow you to eat a broader range of foods without worrying about the impact on your bite and digestion.
A dentist will assess your suitability for an implant with a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. They’ll take your medical history and perform a complete examination, which may include digital imaging. They’ll check your gum, jaw, and general health to ensure you can recover from the surgery without complications.
Your dentist will also ensure you have enough bone density for the procedure, which can be challenging for people who’ve lost many teeth. A bone graft might sometimes be needed to ensure the site is ready for implants. The bone graft can be done using artificial or cadaveric bone to form a scaffold for new, healthy bone to grow around.
Gingival Health
Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost one or more teeth. They closely resemble natural teeth and can slow down bone loss in the jaw after tooth loss. They also do not alter healthy teeth on either side of the gap like a dental bridge.
During the assessment process for dental implants Miami Beach FL, your dentist will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. They will then use X-rays and a 3D cone beam CT scan to assess your oral health and determine if there is enough bone density for implant placement. If there is a lack of bone density, they will add bone through a bone graft and allow this to heal before placing the implant.
Those candidates for dental implants must commit to excellent oral hygiene practices. They must brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend regular dental visits to keep their implants in good shape. They should avoid metal objects such as pipe cleaners, safety pins, or paper clips because they can scratch the implant surface and harbor bacteria.
Bone Density
Implants are embedded in and fused with your jawbone, so a healthy, strong bone is essential to their success. Unfortunately, your bone density decreases after losing a tooth, making it difficult for implants to fuse with the surrounding bones.
You may increase your bone density by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly or with the help of medications such as bisphosphonates, which prevent bone loss in people with osteoporosis. It would be best to avoid smoking, which hinders the healing process after dental surgery.
A dental implant is a two-step procedure, and your dentist will need to assess whether or not you have sufficient bone to support the implant. Depending on your situation, you may require a bone graft or a “graft-free immediate” solution that uses limited bone availability to provide a stable foundation for your new implant teeth. Your dentist will explain the various options and discuss your suitability for each.
Lifestyle
Patients who commit to regular oral care, including brushing twice daily and flossing, visiting their dentist for dental cleanings at least biannually, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking are usually good candidates. These patients will likely enjoy long-term success with their implants.
Implants can even help patients break bad habits that could affect their oral health and lead to tooth loss, such as clenching and grinding their teeth in their sleep (also known as bruxism).
While they may initially cost more than other teeth replacement options, dental implants offer a better value in the long run. Plus, they can preserve the shape and size of a patient’s jaw bone and require less frequent and expensive adjustments than traditional bridges or dentures. They also allow patients to keep their healthy teeth intact, reducing the need for other treatments like root canal therapy or gum disease treatment. Dental implants will typically last longer than other tooth replacements, too.