Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you have missing teeth, you are typically considered a candidate for dental implants. In the majority of cases, we are able to place implants unless there is a special condition such as a disease impacting the bone density and gum tissue. Approximately 30 million Americans are currently candidates for dental implants, and with a 98 percent success rate, dental implants are by far the best choice for missing teeth.
What to Expect
When you come into our dental office in Salt Lake, we will evaluate your medical history and current state of health. It is important to let our doctor know about medications you are taking and medical conditions. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can impact your ability to receive dental implants. Patients with a history of periodontal disease can also have problems with dental implants. When and how implants are placed requires a detailed assessment of your jaw bone and the way in which the teeth function. We will need to take a variety of X-rays and 3D scans to ensure dental implants are placed in exactly the right position in the bone.
Why Bone Is Lost When Teeth are Extracted
When teeth are removed from the mouth, it is common to see bone loss in that area. A tooth helps to maintain stimulation to the bone. When a tooth is removed, the body no longer stimulates that area, which causes loss of alveolar bone. Typically there is a 25% decrease in width of bone during the first twelve months after tooth loss. Each year that continues, you will see a significant decrease in height.
How Can Bone Be Re-Grown to Support Dental Implants?
Grafting bone is the only way to strengthen the jaw bone to ensure it is strong enough to support dental implants. Replacing missing teeth through dental implants is the best way to prevent additional bone loss, which can have an impact on your speech, eating, and even appearance. Bone must have stimulation to remain healthy. A dental implant is fused to the bone, preventing additional bone loss and offers stabilization to the bone.
How are Dental Implants Different From Natural Teeth?
Dental implants are the best solution for individuals missing teeth. Dental implants look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. The difference is of course the natural teeth are still connected to nerve tissues where the implant is attached to the surrounding bone using a titanium screw. Both dental implants and natural teeth do require regular dental care and maintenance to prevent dental disease.
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made with advanced technology and are remarkably successful against common dental diseases. If damage occurs, your dentist can remove the dental implant and repair it without affecting the attachment to the bone. Practicing good oral hygiene including daily brushing and flossing is the best way to control bacteria that leads to bone loss and gum disease.
Call our office to learn more about dental implants, how they work, and how to care for them after you have received a transplant.
