Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? Port Charlotte, FL If you have a tooth or multiple teeth missing, you're likely looking for a way to replace them. You may have undergone immense discomfort and distress to finally reach that conclusion. At Oak Dental Care, Dr. M. Marcia Carvalho will be happy to answer your questions about dental implants and how they can benefit you in the long run. Do I Qualify as a Candidate for Dental Implants?The good news is that, except for a few, most people are eligible for dental implant placement. After all, the technique is by far the best out there to replace missing teeth. Nonetheless, it is crucial to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Generally, a good candidate for dental implants is someone with decent overall health. This means that your remaining teeth should be free of gum disease and decay. Having sufficient bone mass in your jawbone is also imperative because that is what provides a strong foundation for your implants. The Wrong Candidate for Dental ImplantsThe course of the treatment tends to be lengthy. Hence, if you don't deem yourself fit for it, you may not be an ideal candidate for dental implants. It can take six months or even a year for your gums to heal following the procedure, which is why it's essential to be ready and patient through the implantation process. Smoking is another factor that comes into play when determining your eligibility. If you're a smoker, you will have to commit to quitting the habit during the course of treatment, as smoking greatly slows the healing time. If you think you'll be unable to keep up with it, you're not a good candidate for dental implants. In many other cases, you may be rejected as a candidate even though you won't be directly responsible for it. For instance, conditions like diabetes and cancer can make carrying out the procedure impossible. In some cases, a candidate can also be rejected based on a weak jawbone. However, this type of disqualification isn't permanent. Bone grafting is a popular procedure that helps strengthen your jaw and make you a good dental implant candidate. What is the Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Bridge?While implants are artificial tooth roots that help hold a crown in place, a dental bridge serves as a replacement tooth that the teeth around your missing tooth hold in place. While the former is made using titanium, the latter can be made with plastic or porcelain. Dental bridges often need to be replaced every five to seven years. On the other hand, dental implants can easily last for 15 years or more, depending on how well you maintain them. Find Out If You're the Right Candidate for Dental ImplantsIf you're still wondering whether you're a good candidate for dental implants, now would be a great time to come to Oak Dental Care for a consultation. Call us at (941) 629 - 4400 today to book your appointment. |
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