Dental Implants: Am I an Ideal Candidate According to My Dentist?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into your jawbone. They provide a stable anchor for replacement teeth, like crowns or dentures. The implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Over time, the implants become permanently embedded in the jawbone.

Crowns Provide Natural-Looking Smiles

Crowns are custom-made replacement teeth that are secured to the top of the implants. Crowns are designed to match your natural teeth and provide an attractive, long-lasting solution to tooth loss or damage. Crowns allow you to eat, drink, speak and smile with confidence again.

Dentures Snap Securely In Place

For patients with multiple missing teeth, implant-supported dentures provide a stable and comfortable solution. Dentures snap onto attachments on the implants, allowing you to securely and confidently eat the foods you love again. Implant-supported dentures feel more natural than traditional dentures and won’t slip or move around in your mouth.

A Long-Term Solution

While expensive, dental implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth that can last a lifetime with good care and oral hygiene. Implants prevent bone loss in the jaw and help maintain the shape of your face. They provide a natural-looking and feeling replacement for your missing teeth. For many patients, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the costs.

With the latest technology and materials, dental implants have become an attractive and dependable treatment option for missing teeth. If you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist. Dental implants could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, here are some factors that make candidates ideal for this procedure:

Good Oral Health

To get dental implants, you need to have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. If you have gum disease, your dentist will treat that first before placing implants. You should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, which can damage your gums and jawbone.

Missing Teeth

The main reason to get dental implants is to replace missing teeth. Whether you have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or age, implants provide a permanent solution for restoring your smile. They look and function just like natural teeth.

Desire to Improve Smile and Chewing

Perhaps your smile has gaps where teeth are missing or your remaining teeth have shifted, affecting your bite and chewing ability. Dental implants can restore the form and function of natural teeth so you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence again.

Commitment to Oral Care

To keep your dental implants healthy and functioning for life, diligent at-home care and regular dental checkups are required. You’ll need to brush, floss, and use a water flosser daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the implants. You should also visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup at least twice a year.

Overall Good Health

While dental implants have a very high success rate, there is always a small risk of complications from surgery or implant failure. Patients in good general health, with well-controlled conditions like diabetes or heart disease, tend to experience the best outcomes from implant treatment. Some health issues may require special precautions or adjustments to your treatment plan. Your dentist can determine if you’re a candidate based on your medical history and current health.

If these factors describe your situation, dental implants could be an excellent choice for replacing your missing teeth and restoring your smile. Talk to your dentist today to find out if you’re an ideal candidate for this life-changing treatment.

Patients Who May Not Be Good Candidates

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. As dentists, there are a few types of patients we may hesitate to recommend implants for or advise to explore other options first before pursuing implants.

Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis that isn’t properly managed, the risks associated with implant surgery and healing increase significantly. We would recommend first working with your physician to stabilize any chronic conditions before considering implants. Once your health has improved and stabilized, implants may be an option to discuss again.

Patients with a compromised immune system

Your body’s ability to heal and fight off infection is critical for successful implant integration. If you have a condition that compromises your immune system, whether due to medication or disease, the risks are higher that your body may reject the implants or that the healing process is delayed. In some cases, once your immune function has improved, implants could be considered. Close monitoring and antibiotic therapy may also be required.

Patients who smoke or abuse alcohol

Both smoking and heavy alcohol use can restrict blood flow to the gums and bones in your jaw, slowing and complicating the healing process. Patients in recovery or those who have recently quit may still need time for tissues to rebound before implants are recommended. For the best results, doctors typically advise quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake for several months before and after implant surgery.

While dental implants can be an ideal solution for many patients, they aren’t right for everyone. The most important factor is your overall health and wellness. By working closely with both your dentist and physician, together you can determine if implants are the best choice for restoring your smile and, if not now, perhaps in the future once certain health conditions improve. The risks can be managed, but your health and safety will always come first.

Frequently Asked Questions About dental implants

Am I too old for dental implants?

Age is not necessarily a barrier to dental implants. As long as you are in good health, dental implants can work well for patients of any age. The success rate is more dependent on the health of your gums and bone rather than your age. The only way to know for sure if you are a good candidate is to visit your dentist for a consultation. They will examine your mouth to determine if your gums and jawbone are healthy and strong enough to support the implants.

Will the procedure be painful?

Dental implants do require minor surgery, so some discomfort is to be expected. However, advancements in sedation dentistry and pain management have made the process much more comfortable. Your dentist will discuss anesthesia options with you to manage any pain during the procedure. Most patients report that discomfort after the procedure is minimal and can be managed well with over-the-counter medications.

How long will it take to complete treatment?

The total treatment time will depend on your specific situation and how many implants you need. The initial consultation, planning, and any necessary procedures to prepare your gums or jawbone can take 3-6 months. Placing the dental implants requires minor surgery, typically done over two visits 6-8 weeks apart. The gums then need to heal for 3-6 months before the permanent replacement teeth can be attached to the implants.

The entire process usually takes 6-18 months to complete, depending on your needs. But with dental implants, the results are permanent and the closest thing possible to natural teeth.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants can range significantly based on factors like how many implants you need, the material used for your replacement teeth, and additional procedures required to prepare your gums or jawbone. According to recent estimates, a single dental implant may cost between $1000 to $3000. For an entire upper or lower arch of replacement teeth, the total cost could be $15,000-$30,000 or more. Many dental insurance plans cover portions of the cost for dental implants. Your dentist can provide you with an accurate estimate based on your treatment plan. Despite the initial investment, dental implants provide a permanent solution with results that look and feel natural. Are you looking for a dental implant in Roswell? Request an appointment here: Schedule Appointment or call Roswell Complete Dentistry at 404-595-1840. We also serve neighboring towns including Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Marietta,n Dunwoody, Woodstock, Kennesaw, and Norcross.