Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? 

Whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth or all your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for almost everyone. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages, even if they have any of these concerns:

• Existing medical conditions – Generally, if you can receive routine dental treatment, you can have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with most chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.
• Gum disease or problem teeth – Implants placed in patents who have lost teeth to periodontal disease have a very high success rate over time.
• Currently wearing partials or dentures – Implants can replace bridges or dentures, or they can be used to stabilize and secure a denture, making it much more comfortable and functional.
• Smoking – Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it does not eliminate the possibility of implant placement. 
• Bone loss – Bone loss is common for people who have lost teeth or had periodontal disease. OMSs are trained and experienced in grafting, adding bone, to safely secure dental implants. 

Implant tooth replacement in children is usually deferred until jaw growth is complete. There are, however, some instances when a dental implant may be appropriate, such as when it is part of a child’s orthodontic treatment plan. Your family dentist or orthodontist will guide you in this instance.

Dental Implants: A Solution of Choice

Statistics show 3 out of 4 adults ages 40 to 64 have lost at least one permanent tooth due to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Furthermore, 1 in 5 adults over 65 have lost all their permanent teeth.

Years ago, treatment options were limited to a fixed bridge or removable denture to restore the ability to eat, speak clearly and smile. Today, fixed bridges, removable dentures and implants are all options for replacement of missing teeth. Implants have unique and distinct advantages, so it is important for you to discuss these options with your oral surgeon to determine which option is best for you. 

Fixed bridges affect adjacent healthy teeth, and denture wearers may suffer bone loss. Recurrent decay, gum disease and wear can lead to failure. For these reasons, fixed bridges and removable dentures may need to be replaced.

Dental implants are long-term tooth replacements your OMS can surgically place in the jawbone. Composed of titanium alloy that “fuses” with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, implants are stable and can be used to support tooth replacement. Because dental implants “fuse” with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.

Consult an oral and maxillofacial to learn more about dental implants.