Are missing teeth making you feel embarrassed to smile? If so, there are treatment options available that can help restore your smile and confidence. With results that look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth, dental implants are one of the most recommended methods of tooth replacement. Find out if you’re a candidate for this long-lasting tooth replacement option.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Candidates for dental implants must be in good general health and have healthy gum tissue, so your dentist will examine your gums, teeth, and jawbone during your first consultation at our office. Your dentist will also evaluate the following issues when determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
Overall Health
Your overall health can affect the healing process after receiving dental implants. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or anemia, may interfere with healing after dental implant surgery. We’ll also need to know about any current medications you’re taking to make sure they won’t interfere with anesthesia or affect healing after your procedure.
Jawbone Health
Sufficient bone density in your jawbone is needed to securely support dental implants. Our dentists will take an X-ray of your jawbone to determine that it’s healthy and strong enough to support and bond with the implant. However, if you have bone loss, you might still be a candidate for dental implants. Advances in dentistry and bone reconstruction, such as bone grafting, have made more patients eligible for dental implants.
Habits
Your habits and lifestyle can also affect your candidacy for dental implants. Since it can negatively affect healing and reduce bone density, smoking is a primary reason for dental implant failure. If you’re interested in dental implants, we recommend quitting smoking for several months prior to implant surgery. You’ll also need to refrain from smoking after your implants are placed to ensure proper healing.
Whether you grind your teeth will also be considered when determining if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Just like grinding your teeth can cause them to chip and weaken over time, this habit can also damage dental implants. To avoid this negative outcome and protect your beautifully restored smile, we recommend that patients who grind their teeth wear custom-made night guards to protect their dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Since dental implants act like your natural tooth roots, they are the only dental restoration that prevents bone loss. Here are some other benefits of dental implants:
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting with proper care
- Comfortable
- Natural-looking
- Stable
- Convenient
Schedule Your Appointment
Contact Fennell, Yoxthimer, and Associates, DDS in Cincinnati, Ohio to learn more about dental implants and discover whether they’re right for you. Our skilled and experienced dentists will work with you to determine the best solution to restore the health and function of your smile. Call us today to make your appointment.
