Candidates for Dental Implants

Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the options available to patients who want to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants, bridgework, and dentures are all options that replace missing teeth. These are not one size fits all solutions, however.

There are many reasons why a patient has missing teeth. Some patients are born without one or more teeth. Others lose teeth due to disease or accident. Restoration treatment can address all of these tooth loss situations. A dental implant is a popular restoration choice, but some people are better candidates than others.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant consists of a threaded metal piece. It also has a piece called an abutment and a cap created to look like a person’s other teeth. Some dental implants are all one piece. Dental implants are a long-term solution for a missing tooth or teeth, as they can last for many years. Once the dentist installs them, they look and feel like real teeth.

Dental implants consist of biocompatible materials. This means that very few patients experience any allergic reaction. The post is a titanium alloy. There are no viable non-metal dental implants at this time.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The dental professional will determine if the patient has enough bone material. This is essential for placing dental implants. The patient also needs to have healthy gums. Patients undergo several types of comprehensive exams and X-rays to determine if they are a good candidate. Sometimes, the implant is for a damaged tooth, so the dentist must remove that first.

Placing a dental implant takes several visits. A patient may need jawbone grafting. After the doctor places the metal part of the implant, he will also place a temporary crown. This is to allow the patient time to heal and for the bone to grow around the implant. Later, the doctor will replace the temporary crown with an abutment and the permanent crown. This can take months from start to finish.

The Best Candidates for Dental Implants

Patients who have good oral health are the best candidates for implants. Gum disease and poor hygiene can prevent successful dental implants. Some people do not have enough jawbone in the location where a dental implant must go. They may still be able to get a dental implant if the doctor can graft a piece of bone in the location.

The doctor will consider other factors when deciding if a patient is a good candidate. Smoking can prevent proper grafting and cause an implant to fail. Certain heart and other health conditions can also create complications. This is why doctors do such a thorough assessment before recommending dental implants to a patient.

For Your Health

Dental implants don’t only improve your appearance. They improve oral health by helping other teeth to stay in place. They also help maintain the jawbone and prevent resorption. Your dental office team can help you determine if a dental implant is right for you.

Located in Miami, Florida, the team at Smile Institute Miami are experts in oral health. Call (305) 590-5228 to schedule an appointment today.