Am I Eligible for the Dental Implant Procedure?
Wondering if you’re a candidate for the dental implant procedure? Our dental implant dentists in Cascade, Coopersville, and Wayland, MI, would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. Unlike dentures, dental implants look and feel natural. This means that you’ll never have to worry about your teeth slipping in public ever again!
Here’s what you need to know about the and who may qualify for this tooth replacement option.
Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a great option for restoring your smile, whether you’ve lost one tooth or have several missing teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone. This gives you the ultimate stability as you eat, talk, smile, and laugh.
Another benefit of dental implants is that they prevent bone loss in the jaw. This is because a dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that exerts pressure on the jaw like the real thing. This tricks the body into thinking the tooth is still there and that the bone surrounding the empty socket is still in use. Dental implants help you maintain a healthy bone density in your jaw over time.
Related: Dental Implants vs. Dentures →
Sufficient Jawbone Density
As soon as you lose a tooth, your body will start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. If left untreated, this jawbone deterioration can lead to a condition called facial collapse. As the name suggests, this condition can alter the shape of your face so it appears more sunken. Facial collapse can also make it difficult or uncomfortable to continue wearing dentures. For this reason, many patients make the switch from dentures to dental implants.
In order for us to place the dental implants in your jaw, you’ll need sufficient bone density. However, it’s not a requirement to be a candidate for . If you don’t have enough bone density in your jaw, our dentists may recommend that you receive a bone graft to supplement the bone tissue you already have. Once the bone graft has healed, you’ll be ready for us to place the dental implants.
No Smoking
In general, people who smoke are not good candidates for dental implants. This is because smoking inhibits the body’s natural healing ability, especially after dental implant surgery. Smoking also has a negative effect on your dental health and overall wellbeing.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
With proper care and good oral hygiene, your tooth implants can last for decades. However, this is dependent on the patient maintaining healthy teeth and gums after the dental implant process. The healthier your smile, the longer dental implants are likely to last. For this reason, you’re more likely to be a candidate for dental implants if you have relatively good oral health.
Request a Consultation for Dental Implants
Our dental implant dentists in Cascade, Coopersville, and Wayland, MI, are accepting new patients. To schedule a dental implant consultation, please call Robinson Dental at 1-888-WE-C-U-NOW. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.