Are You a Candidate for a Dental Implant?
Missing one or more teeth can have a significant impact on daily life. Missing teeth can change your appearance, make it difficult to enjoy the foods you love, and even affect the way you talk. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, then you’ve probably found yourself wondering whether or not dental implants are right for you. Dental implants are one of the most popular smile restoration tools. With an artificial root and a crown designed to match surrounding teeth, they both look and feel natural. Dental implants, however, aren’t right for everyone.
5 Dental Implant Requirements: Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
1. Healthy Gums
Patients with periodontal disease are not candidates for dental implants because a gum infection can lead to further infection during surgery and complicate recovery. Gum disease must be addressed before a patient can receive a dental implant.
2. Generally Good Health
To receive dental implants, patients must be healthy enough to undergo surgery. Patients who have chronic conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases can usually receive dental implants as long as their conditions are well managed. It’s best for patients to see their general health practitioner for a physical examination before scheduling a dental implant procedure.
3. Healthy Habits
Patients who use tobacco products are not candidates for oral surgery because smoking or chewing tobacco will hinder recovery.
4. Strong Jawbone
A patient must have a jawbone that is strong and healthy enough for the dental implant’s anchor to osseointegrate (attach to the bone) following surgery. If the jaw lacks bone, a grafting procedure might be necessary.
5. Missing One or More Teeth
Patients who wish to improve the appearance of their smile, but who are not missing teeth, can benefit from less invasive cosmetic procedures, such as veneers, crowns, or dental bonding.
Superior Dental Implant Services with 3D Imaging
What Is CBCT?
CBCT is a type of radiographic imaging that dentists use in place of x-rays. CBCT scans provide superior, three-dimensional images and require less radiation. CBCT scanning technology allows us to capture images in a matter of seconds.
How Do Dentists Use CBCT?
We use CBCT scans to diagnose and improve treatment outcomes for patients in a variety of situations. With respect to dental implants, CBCT scans help us evaluate the size and structure of a patient’s jaw bone and surrounding teeth to improve implant placement, osseointegration, and design.
Schedule a Smile Restoration Consultation with Our La Mesa Dentist
If you think you might be interested in restoring your smile with dental implants, the first step is to find out if dental implants are right for you by scheduling a consultation with our dentist. Cardinal Dental provides a variety of smile restoration and tooth replacement options for patients with one or more missing teeth. Dr. Paul Michels will examine your teeth and talk with you about your health and smile goals to help you determine the personalized treatment option that will work best for you.
