Dental Implant Candidacy Allentown, PA
Over the years, dental implants have proven to be the most versatile tooth restoration option. Providing so many benefits that have been tested and trusted, it is often the first choice for replacing missing teeth. However, before you decide on dental implants, you need to know if you are suited for receiving them. Whether you want to get a single tooth implant or you need multiple tooth implants, our professionals at Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will ensure that you get the best experience for your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a tiny titanium prosthetic that is placed in the jawbone during a dental implant procedure. This tiny prosthetic is often called a post or rod, and is put in the jawbone to act as a tooth root. It holds and supports an artificial crown that is attached to it, and they both simulate an entire natural tooth. A complete dental implant replaces a single tooth, and can be used to replace as many teeth as necessary.
Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants feel and look like your natural tooth. They can even last a lifetime, allowing your jawbone to retain its density, while keeping your confident smile intact. However, not everyone missing one or more teeth is a candidate for dental implants. The following are considered when determining your eligibility for dental implants.
Oral Health
To receive dental implants, a patient should have the ideal oral health. A healthy oral hygiene is an attribute that ensures that the procedure has higher chances of success. Also, patients with good oral health will find it easy to carry on healthy oral practices following the procedure. Furthermore, patients are also required to be in good general health, as they will be undergoing a surgical procedure for the placement of dental implants.
Adequate Jawbone Density
Dental implants are placed in the jawbone to bond and fuse with it to be secure. So, having adequate jawbone density is required for a successful dental implant. The jawbone density refers to the shape, mass and general health of the receiving jawbone. This depletes when a tooth is missing from its socket, causing other issues such as sagging of facial muscles, and surrounding teeth misalignment. Although, our professionals can recommend a bone graft for a suitable patient, so that they can eventually get the desired dental implant.
Healthy Gums
A successful dental implant also relies on healthy gum. Patients who suffer from gum disease may have to reconsider getting dental implants, if they cannot treat it immediately. Gum diseases or other gum related problems may complicate the healing process when they infect the bones. Bone infections from periodontal diseases can increase the risks of dental implant failure. Fortunately, our professionals may employ the use of a CO2 laser to remove infected gum tissue while treating these periodontal diseases.
Can You Get Dental Implants?
Patients who smoke, consume alcohol, or are even pregnant may not readily get dental implants. Also, patients with radiation treatments in areas around the head or neck may not be ideal candidates for dental implants. Our professionals will also examine your medical and dental records to ensure your suitability. If you want to be certain of your dental implant candidacy, speak to the Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team by calling us at (610) 435-6161 to schedule an appointment.
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