Are You A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. They are durable and last a long time. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. If you would like to know more, keep reading.
How Many Teeth Are You Missing?
To get a dental implant, you need to have missing teeth that you want to be replaced. If you're missing a single tooth, a single dental implant is a great choice. However, if you have multiple missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge is a more cost-effective choice. Unlike a traditional bridge, which uses teeth to support the bridge, an implant-supported bridge uses implants that are anchored into the jaw.
Implant-supported dentures are another option to consider. Like traditional dentures, they replace all your teeth, and they are removable. However, the implants allow the dentures to "snap" into place, which provides a more secure hold. You'll still need to remove them to clean your teeth, but they won't move when you eat, laugh, or talk.
Are Your Gums Healthy?
One of the leading causes of tooth loss is gum disease. Unfortunately, dental implants aren't a great choice if you have gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in the gums, and it is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Smoking tobacco drastically increases your risk of gum disease because it affects blood flow to the gums.
Gum disease comes in the forms of gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a less aggressive and severe form; it often has little to no symptoms, but some people have mild irritation and bleeding, especially when brushing. If the disease becomes more aggressive, it turns into periodontitis, which can result in:
- Red gums
- Sore gums
- Receding gums
- Pockets between the teeth and gums
- Gum loss
- Jawbone atrophy
If you have gum disease, it must be treated before you can get dental implants. If you have advanced gum disease, you may need some surgical treatments to repair the gum and bone tissue.
Is Your Jawbone Strong?
Your jawbone supports the dental implants like it supports healthy teeth. This makes the implants durable, and the implants stimulate the jawbone to keep it strong and healthy. Gum disease can cause the jawbone to shrink, but a bone graft can help prepare it for an implant. Missing teeth also cause the jawbone to atrophy. You will also need a bone graft before getting a dental implant.
If you have missing teeth, it's time to consider dental implants. They are an expensive choice, but they are strong. If you would like to know more about dental implants, contact a dentist in your area today.
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