Who Qualifies for Implant Dentistry?

Tooth loss can severely disrupt your life. You might have trouble eating or speaking, see gaps interrupting your smile, and carry a higher risk for further dental problems. Your dentist can help you find the ideal restorative solutions to replace your missing teeth.

You can find comprehensive and highly effective treatment with dental implants. But not every patient will qualify for this dental solution. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and consult with you to learn if you make a good candidate for this treatment. Read on to find three qualities a dentist will look for before proceeding with dental implant tooth replacement for their patient.

implant dentistry candidates

Characteristics of Ideal Dental Implant Candidates

Seeking Long-Lasting Fixed Tooth Replacements

Your dentist can offer you a number of different tooth replacement options if you want to replace missing teeth. Implant dentistry will work for patients who want a solution that is long-lasting and secure.

Dental implants involve the placement of titanium post anchors into the jaw that will support prosthetic teeth on its abutment above the gumline once healed. Because of the nature of this fixture, dentists consider this treatment permanent. The implant will last for twenty or more years after this procedure.

Some people will appreciate how long they can experience these restorative dental benefits. But other patients would prefer a more affordable option or one that requires less commitment.

Removable dentures, for instance, will give patients the freedom to remove the fixtures from the mouth when needed. Implants will stay fixed in the mouth unless removed by a dentist. Discuss your options with your dentist before committing to this treatment.

Possessing Adequate Stable, Healthy Jawbone

Dental implants rely heavily on the anchor to sustain dental prosthetics. The anchor fuses with the jawbone as it heals to create this solid foundation. So in order to receive an implant successfully, you will require enough healthy bone in the jaw for this process to occur without issue.

A side effect of tooth loss is that the jawbone can deteriorate without the stimulation of a tooth root. The implant can stop this from happening because the anchor serves to replace the lost tooth root. But if too much bone is already gone, then the fusion cannot happen properly.

A dentist might suggest a bone graft to add more structure to the jaw that can ultimately support an implant. They will evaluate your jaw health using x-ray imaging taken during a consultation appointment.

Exhibiting Patience and Commitment to the Implant Dentistry Process

Implant dentistry involves a multi-step process that requires three or more dentist appointments over the course of several months. A good dental implant candidate will understand that this lengthy process will yield lasting results that will make any hassle worth it.

They should remain patient as they undergo a consult, oral surgery, a prosthetic placement, and any follow-up appointments. Then they can experience a lifetime of dental restoration that will also help them avoid further complications or emergencies. Learn more about your specific dental implant procedure by scheduling an appointment today.


Contact

Pioneer Valley Dental Arts
pioneervalleydentalarts.com
171 Dwight Road, Suite 200
Longmeadow, MA 01106

New Patients (413) 327-9858

Current Patients (413) 567-4227

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Monday
8:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday
8:00am - 6:30pm
Friday
7:30am - 5:00pm

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