07 Sep How To Determine If Dental Implants Are Right For You
When you need to replace a missing tooth, you have a number of treatment options, including getting a dental implant. It’s important to do your research to determine which restoration will be best for you.
We recommend that you schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon to learn whether dental implants might be a good fit for you. This treatment option offers a number of benefits for patients, although you must meet certain requirements in order to qualify for dental implants.
What To Expect At Your Dental Implant Consultation
The process of getting dental implants begins with an initial consultation. At this first meeting, your oral surgeon will evaluate your case to determine if dental implants are likely to be successful and effective in your situation. The surgeon will rely on visual examination of your smile along with imaging.
In order to be eligible for dental implants, patients must:
- Have enough bone tissue at the implant site to support osseointegration
- Be free from active, uncontrolled oral health issues, such as gum disease
- Be healthy enough overall to tolerate the surgery needed for dental implant placement
You will also discuss your medical history with your surgeon and provide a list of the medications that you take regularly, as you may need to discontinue some of those medications for a short period of time prior to dental implant placement.
If it appears that you do not have enough bone tissue to support osseointegration, that doesn’t necessarily put dental implants permanently out of reach for you. The surgeon may be able to proceed with a bone graft to supplement the bone tissue at the implant site.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Why are so many patients turning to dental implants? The advantages offered by this treatment method in contrast to standard prosthetics like bridges and dentures are plentiful, and they include improved:
- Durability
- Security
- Functionality
- Comfort
- Convenience
In reviewing that list, it’s easy to see why patients might opt for a dental implant over a bridge. However, if you want to enjoy all of these benefits, you must commit to taking good care of your dental implants and your oral health in general to maximize their lifespan and effectiveness.
Patients who are weighing their options for tooth replacement should schedule a consultation with our team at Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery to learn more about dental implants.