Dental Implants FAQs Part of making first impressions is our smile. If you are suffering from tooth loss or decay, you may not tend to smile much. When we lose teeth, we also lose the supportive structure behind our lips and cheeks which can cause them to sag inward. When this happens, it has a drastic impact on our appearance. One such solution to this problem is a dental implant placement procedure. And while this is an excellent option, it is not recommended for every patient. There are specific factors which make the patient a higher risk for the procedure than others. Getting dental implants is a big decision. Dental Works wants to help answer your questions about dental implants, so you know if it's the right step for your tooth replacement.Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?Good candidates are those patients who demonstrate a good level of oral cavity health and who are in good overall health. Conversely, those patients lacking the supportive bone structure necessary for an implant placement are not, at least initially. These patients may need a bone graft, ridge augmentation, or other procedures prior to being able to receive dental implants. Are Dental Implants Right for Me?This question can be easily determined by coming in to our office for an evaluation. There are some obvious factors which make patients at higher risk for getting dental implants, and others which patients might find surprising. The first factor is age. As we age, all of us lose bone mass, some more than others. This bone loss can occur to all of our bones, including the jawbone. Another thing which affects bone mass is radiation treatments. Anyone who is undergoing radiation treatment is considered a higher risk. Patients going through menopause, those who use tobacco products, or abuse alcohol are also considered higher risks. It is important to stress that while these factors do make the patient a higher risk it does not systematically make them ineligible for the dental implant procedure. It simply means these things need to be taken into consideration and special components might need to be added in order for the implant placement to be successful. Are There Alternative Treatments?There are other alternatives to traditional dental implants for artificial tooth solutions. One such solution is known as mini-implants. These are simply much smaller implants which require considerably less bone mass than traditional dental implants do. Another option is All-on-4 dental implants. These implants are inserted at an angle, which also requires far less bone mass than traditional implants because they are not inserted as deeply. Noninvasive OptionsWhen dental implants are not an option due to bone mass concerns, if the patient has healthy teeth on either side of the space vacated by lost teeth, dental appliances like an overdenture could help. These can be permanent just like dental implants are and attached to the healthy teeth. Considering Dental Implants?If you are searching for an appropriate artificial tooth solution, come to see us at Dental Works to find out more. We can be reached by phone at (480) 360-7529 to schedule your appointment. |
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