Questions To Help Determine If You Are A Good Candidate For Dental Implants
Tooth implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone. They can provide a permanent solution for your smile restoration and the maintenance of your oral health. Nonetheless, you may not know whether you are a good candidate for implants. Here are a few questions that your dental provider considers before prescribing implants and the benefits the devices provide in the restoration.
Do You Have One or More Missing Teeth?
One of the main considerations before a dentist recommends implants is missing teeth. Missing teeth can affect your appearance, your speech, your chewing ability, and your self-confidence. They can also cause your remaining teeth to shift, creating gaps and misalignment. Implants can fill in the spaces left by missing teeth and prevent further dental problems.
Do You Have Damaged Teeth?
Your dental provider also checks for damaged teeth. A tooth may be so badly decayed or broken that it cannot be saved by a filling, a crown, or a root canal. In such cases, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant. Implants can match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth and function just like them.
Do You Have Poorly Secured Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth. However, they may not fit well over time, causing discomfort, irritation, and slippage. They may also limit your food choices and affect your speech. Dental implants can anchor your dentures securely in place and improve their fit and stability.
Is Your Jawbone Shrinking?
When you lose a tooth, the bone that supports it begins to shrink and deteriorate. This can lead to changes in your facial structure, such as sagging cheeks and sunken lips. It can also make it harder to place implants in the future. Dental implants can stimulate bone growth and prevent further bone loss.
Do You Suffer from Gum Disease or Severe Bone Loss?
Dental implants are not suitable for everyone. You need to have healthy gums and enough bone mass to support them. If your gingival or bone thickness needs to improve, your dentist may recommend treatments such as deep cleanings and bone grafts before prescribing implant surgery.
To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area. They can evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment option for you.
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