Dental implants are an ideal way for many patients to replace missing teeth. However, dental implants certainly aren't the best tooth replacement option for everyone. Today, our Langley dentists share a little about who makes a great candidate for dental implants.
What are dental implants?
At Willowbrook Dental Clinic in Langley, we offer dental implants as an option to replace and leave our patients with a great-looking smile. With dental implants, these patients have a permanent solution to their missing teeth. They also enjoy numerous advantages over other tooth replacement alternatives.
However, the fact that dental implants need to be surgically placed into the jawbone can be problematic for some individuals. So how are you to know if you're a good candidate for dental implants?
Who makes a good candidate for dental implants?
You will need a strong, healthy jaw and healthy gums to be a good candidate for dental implants. If you have oral health issues such as a tooth abscess, gingivitis, or have experienced deterioration of bone due to tooth abscess or missing teeth, dental implants may not be the ideal tooth replacement option for you.
Why has my dentist said I need a bone graft to get dental implants?
Have you experienced bone deterioration where the implant would be placed? In this case, a bone graft will likely be needed to help strengthen your jaw before the dental implant process can start. While a bone graft helps to make your jaw strong enough to support dental implants, you will require many weeks to heal from the procedure. Your dental implants cannot be placed until your jaw has healed completely after a bone graft.
How is a bone graft done?
Your dentist will transplant a section of bone from a different area of your body (or use special bone grafting material) and graft it onto your jawbone where the dental implants will eventually be placed. The bone graft procedure will help to strengthen your jaw and create a stable base that will hold your dental implants firmly in place.
Should I consider other tooth replacement options?
If you have experienced significant bone loss and would prefer to replace your missing teeth without requiring a bone graft, ask your dentist about other tooth replacement options including a dental bridge or dentures, which can help to restore the function and look of your smile without the need for a bone graft — or implant surgery.
To maintain a healthy mouth, it's imperative to replace missing teeth. Discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist to learn which may be right for you. Your dentist will be able to recommend the most appropriate tooth replacement option to help restore your smile.