You’ve recently lost a tooth and are exploring your options to replace it. Dental implants are on the cutting edge of dental technology. They are a wonderful way to give you a new tooth without affecting any other teeth. It’s a simple process with a completely functional and natural-looking result. But is everyone a candidate for dental implants? These are the things that your Covington dentist will look for while determining if you’re a good fit.
Good Support Structure
One of the most important things for the successful placement of a dental implant is having a solid foundation in which to put it. Your dentist will do a CT scan of your mouth and jaw to determine if there is enough bone to support the implant. This is an advanced 3D scan that allows them to see your bone levels in ways that simply aren’t possible with standard X-Rays. They will also screen you for periodontal disease which could ultimately end in a failed implant if you lose too much bone.
They may also ask you if you have a history of clenching or grinding your teeth. This can cause the implant to become worn down too quickly, ending in a poor result.
Good Health
Your dentist will want to ensure that you don’t have any conditions that could put you at risk for failure. Things such as diabetes, gum disease, smoking, and alcohol abuse can all adversely affect your candidacy for an implant. They may also ask if you are immunocompromised or take certain medications that may cause you to become so.
Ultimately, most people are good candidates for dental implants. The advances in dental technology have come a long way. Your dentist will be able to very precisely and comfortably place your implant. If you are a match, you can expect your implant to last for years to come. The results are indistinguishable from a natural tooth and will allow you to eat and speak without any issues. If you are missing teeth, now might be a good time to have a conversation with your dentist about dental implants.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean is passionate about dentistry. He loves to be able to transform the quality of someone’s life for the better and help them to reclaim their smile. He is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina and has since spent countless hours updating his education to provide exceptional dentistry for his patients. He has studied at the prestigious Dawson Academy as well as the Pankey Institute. He is a Fellow in the International Dental Implant Association. Patients seeking implants can take comfort in knowing that he has the skills and training necessary to make the process as seamless as possible. If you’re interested in seeing if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, he and his helpful team at Dean Dental Care would love to see you. The office can be reached via email or over the phone at (470) 441-8475.