Dental implants are one of the best restorative options available for missing teeth. They look, feel, and act similar to natural teeth. If you’re looking to undergo this type of treatment, you’ll need to know if you’re the right candidate. Lots of folks will consult their dentist in South Edmonton about implant placement, but nobody is always guaranteed a spot off the bat. Let’s cover what makes for a good candidate and how to get ready for this life-enhancing procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are implanted in your jawbone. The posts mimic tooth roots, giving artificial teeth like crowns or bridges a solid foundation. One of the greatest dental implant benefits is how secure and comfortable they are. Unlike dentures, implants won’t shift or slide, which makes eating and speaking more confident.
Healthy Gums Are a Must
Healthy gums are one of the first things your dentist will examine. Gum infection or untreated infections can hinder healing and implant success. If your gums bleed frequently or are inflamed, treatment may be required before implants can be undertaken. Taking care of your oral health now can lead to you being a better candidate in the future.
Strong Jawbone Is Essential
Dental implants are supported by your jawbone. If you’ve had teeth missing for many years, the bone loss might have caused your jaw to shrink. In those cases, bone grafting can be necessary to restore support. Your dentist near you will utilize X-rays or 3D imaging to determine if your bone is dense enough to support an implant.
No Smoking, Better Healing
Smoking can delay healing and increase the chances of implant failure. That’s why many dentists recommend quitting before starting implant treatment. The chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow and slow down recovery, especially after surgery. If you’re serious about getting dental implants, quitting smoking is a step in the right direction.
Age Isn’t the Issue—Health Is
Dental implants are appropriate for adults of any age, whether you’re 30 or 70. More important than your age is your health in general. Diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can influence how your body heals. Your dentist in South Edmonton will inquire about your medical history to ensure that implants are a healthy and safe choice for you.
Good Oral Hygiene Is Key
After you receive dental implants, taking care of them is as crucial as with natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and checkups are necessary. If you already have good oral hygiene habits, that’s a good indication you’re a candidate for implants. Individuals who don’t adhere to daily care procedures can risk infection at the implant site.
Missing One Tooth or Several?
Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants that support one tooth, a few teeth, or even a full denture. Regardless of the number of missing teeth, your dentist will develop a customized plan according to your requirements. It might be one implant or several, but it’s all aimed at restoring your smile in the most natural way possible.
Other Dental Work Doesn’t Rule You Out
Some individuals are concerned that previous dental procedures may impact their eligibility. But fillings, crowns, or even dentures won’t prevent you from receiving implants. Your dentist near you will evaluate your entire dental history to see how the implants can be integrated with your current dental work.
What to Expect During the Process
The implant procedure is time and planning-consuming. Once the implant is inserted, your jawbone must heal and bond with the metal post. This process of healing, referred to as osseointegration, may last several months. After healing, a crown or bridge is put on, leaving you with a restored smile. It is all worth it for the long-term outcome.
Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
Numerous dental implant benefits go far beyond aesthetics. Implants preserve your jawbone, keep other teeth from moving, and make chewing significantly easier. They also endure much longer than other replacement choices when well-maintained—often for decades. Most significantly, they restore confidence in your smile and daily life.
Discuss Your Options with a Professional
If you’re not sure if you’d be a good candidate, the best place to start is by talking to a dental professional. A complete examination, including X-rays and an examination of your health history, will determine if you’re a candidate for implants. Even if today isn’t the day, your dentist can guide you toward becoming a candidate.
Restore Your Smile with Trusted Care in South Edmonton
Thinking about dental implants? At Jagare Ridge Dental, we are concerned with helping you rebuild your smile with stable and successful care. Our experts offer personalized evaluations to help you decide if implants are right for you. If you are losing one tooth or many, we will guide you through each step.
Looking for a dentist near you that offers dental implants? Contact our South Edmonton dentist today to schedule your consultation and start the path to a more confident, complete smile.