Am I a Candidate for Implants?
When you lose your teeth, several things start to happen. Tooth loss affects your abilities to eat and speak, affects your oral health, and impacts the quality of your smile. Replacing missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of your teeth and your quality of life. At Neil Starr, DDS, PC, we provide Dental Implants for your tooth replacement needs. Implants involve the use of titanium posts that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. These posts are then used to provide support for your replacement crowns. Implants offer numerous benefits. Not only do they restore the functions and aesthetics of your teeth, but they are also more comfortable, easier to care for, and permanent. The posts also function to maintain the health and integrity of your jaw. To undergo treatment, you first must undergo an initial consultation to determine if you are a candidate.
You Have Lost At least One ToothDental implants are a treatment for missing teeth. They are a versatile treatment, too, and can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, whether it is just one, or you are missing all of them. If you are missing at least one tooth, you may be considered a candidate. If you are in need of tooth extraction, dental implants may also be discussed as a possible treatment to replace the removed tooth, or teeth.
Your Overall Health is GoodUnlike other tooth loss treatments, dental implants require a surgical procedure. For this reason, it is important that you be in good overall health. Any oral health concerns, such as cavities or gum disease, need to be taken care of before you can undergo surgery. If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, it will need to be under control. During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history, as well as any concerns that we, or you, may have in regards to your health.
You Do Not SmokeSmoking cigarettes, or using any other type of tobacco product, is harmful to your health in general. Along with having a variety of negative effects on your health, these habits can also slow down your ability to heal. When your healing is slowed, your risk of developing infections, which could lead to implant failure, greatly increase. We recommend that you quit any tobacco products before undergoing surgery. If you are unable to quit for good, we recommend that you avoid using these products before your surgery as well as during your recovery.
Your Jawbone Is in Good ShapeWith dental implants, small titanium posts are implanted directly into your jawbone. Your bone then fuses with the posts as you heal, integrating them into your jaw. For this process, called osseointegration, to be successful, and the implants to become stable within your jawbone, you need to have sufficient bone mass. If you do not have enough, the implants may be loose, or they may not integrate at all. During your initial consultation, we will assess the condition of your jawbone. If we find that there is insufficient bone mass remaining, we may recommend a bone graft.
You Are Never Too Old to Experience the Benefits of Dental ImplantsOnce the jaw stops developing, which usually occurs in your late teens to early 20s, you can be considered a candidate for dental implants. Many older tooth loss patients think that they are simply too old and that their only option is dentures. You are never too old to enjoy the numerous benefits that dental implants have to offer. So long as you meet other requirements for undergoing treatment, dental implants can be an excellent solution no matter if you are in your mid-thirties, your late 70s, or older!
If you have lost teeth, replacing them right away is essential. If you are interested in learning more about Dental Implants, and finding out if they are right for you, call Neil Starr, DDS, PC today to schedule your consultation at (202) 293-7177. |
