How Do I Know If I am a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss, and they allow the patient to feel better about their appearance, eat better and avoid continual bone loss in the jaw. However, dental implants are not right for everyone, and it is helpful to know who makes an ideal candidate for this treatment.

When to consider dental implants

Anyone who is missing a tooth or multiple teeth, or has damaged teeth that may come out soon, should consider dental implants. The following are three occasions when dental implants might be an ideal option, and additional health factors to consider with dental implants.

A missing tooth

Dental implants are often a great solution for replacing a single missing tooth, regardless of where the missing tooth may exist. They can be used to replace a front tooth or a molar that is less visible. The process for replacing a missing tooth requires a minor procedure to place the implant into or on the jaw, which is somewhat invasive. After the placement of the implant heals, then the abutment and artificial tooth are placed to complete the restoration.

Multiple missing teeth

Patients with multiple missing teeth are also often candidates for dental implants. In fact, dental implants can replace an entire row of missing teeth. The way it works is fairly simple. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the general dentist will either recommend an implant for each missing tooth or only two to four dental implants with the attachment of a bridge or denture onto the implants. The process for replacing multiple missing teeth is also more invasive than traditional dentures or a fixed bridge, so the patient should be willing and able to complete a longer, more invasive process.

Severely damaged teeth

In some instances where teeth are severely damaged through tooth decay or trauma, it is best to have the teeth extracted and replaced with an artificial tooth, particularly if the tooth or teeth in question are not able to be repaired. The same applies to teeth that are loose and unable to be saved. In other words, patients do not have to have missing teeth in order to consider dental implants, and you can get ahead of tooth loss by scheduling a consultation with a general dentist before the tooth is officially gone.

Other important factors to consider

One of the main things patients who are considering teeth replacement should be aware of is whether they are willing to go through a more invasive process to achieve the most natural results. Dental implants may involve a longer process than removable dentures and fixed bridges, but implants can last for more than 25 years in some instances and look, feel and function very similarly to natural teeth.

Learn more about dental implants today

Everyone deserves a complete smile that they are confident showing off in public, and for many, dental implants restore lost confidence after tooth loss. To learn even more about dental implants, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation.

Are you considering dental implants in the Gainesville area? Get more information at https://gallodental.com.

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