Are you missing one or several teeth? Curious about whether dental implants are a good choice for you? With the advancement of technology, more people can have access to dental implants than ever before. For example, at Ascent Dental Care in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, we offer solutions like single tooth implants, bridges, and dentures. But how do you know if you are a good candidate for any of these options? There are certain conditions that need to be met to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here are just a few.
Bone Density and Support
Dental implants involve inserting titanium anchors into the jawbone. This pole acts as the replacement for a root which holds the replacement tooth in place. Since the process involves connecting the implant into the jawbone, it’s important that you have sufficient bone density in order to support the pole and other components. This is especially true if you are interested in a more extensive solution like implant supported dentures. However, if you don’t have the support necessary for regular implants, we offer Mini Dental Implants, which are smaller in diameter and may be a better option.
Healthy Gums
The gums around the affected area need to be clean and free of any condition like gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gum tissue surrounds and supports the implant, so any potential inflammation or decay can make the area unstable. Periodontal disease can also affect teeth, gums and bone. If you do suffer from gum disease of any form, you will need to treat it before getting an implant. By starting and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you are in a great position to receive dental implants. Even after the implant is complete, oral hygiene helps keep your mouth clean and healthy which is especially important if you want to maintain the results of the procedure.
Good General Health
Overall health affects more than how we move and feel. When you are generally healthy, there are fewer setbacks if you want to pursue treatments like dental implants. Dental implant procedures involve making incisions into the tissue, which can be risky if you are in poor health to begin with. Similarly, women who are pregnant should wait until after they deliver to pursue dental implant surgery. Smokers should quit before looking into implants because of the greater chance of the procedure failing when compared with non-smokers. Adolescents are advised to wait until adulthood for dental implant surgery to allow for natural teeth to grow in and adjust. If you are in good overall health without any or most of these concerns, you are likely a great candidate for dental implants!
To learn more about the many dental implant solutions we offer at Ascent Dental Care, call any of our four offices in E. Longmeadow and Longmeadow, MA. You can also book a consultation on our website. We look forward to serving you soon.