Can You Have Dental Implants? Here Is What You Should Know

Dental implants are a relatively new invention compared with other dental tools but have proven themselves to be one of the most effective means to replace lost teeth. It is due to how precisely they can mimic how natural teeth function in beauty, performance, and comfort. While a person who has only a single tooth that is missing may typically opt for a removable appliance, such as a denture, to replace it with something useful, complete arch replacement requires the inclusion of implants in the process. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, so you need to consult with a Hilliard implant dentist to determine if you qualify for the procedure.

Who Can Have Implants?

Though dental implants are a viable solution for either full or partial replacement of lost teeth, they are not always the best choice. Dental implants require certain oral conditions to be successful, so you must consult with an implant dentist before moving forward with any decisions. You may have to take some x-rays, and your dentist may want to take impressions (mold) of your teeth and gums before moving forward. Some of the conditions that need to exist for dental implants to be possible include:

Healthy gums

Implants rely on a foundation provided by your healthy gum tissue, so it just wouldn’t make sense if this were not a requirement. Healthy gums provide the structural foundation that implants need, so if your gums are not healthy, you will need to consider having gum surgery to remedy the issue before moving forward.

Adequate bone structure

There needs to be an adequate amount of vertical and horizontal bone structure for dental implants to be successful. If you have a missing tooth or teeth adjacent to a space, there should be enough bone structure in this area to construct an implant. If the surrounding bone is fragile and sparse, then it may not be possible for your dentist to create an effective dental implant that will work properly.

Closed sinus

While there is some possibility for sinus bone grafting, the patient’s sinuses must be completely closed before moving forward with dental implants. This means that you should not have any problems with your sinuses if you are looking into dental implants as an option.

Why Should You Consider Implants?

Dental implants are the only true means of replicating natural teeth. They act, feel, look, and function like the real thing. This is because they are constructed with either implant-grade titanium or ceramic, which fuses directly to your jawbone over time to support the crown or cap. Implants will not cause damage to your jawbone or other teeth in your mouth, which is why they are becoming more popular among dental patients.

To summarize, dental implants help to replace missing teeth. They are made up of solid titanium posts which fuse with your jawbone over time to provide support for a crown or cap that is created. You need to consult with an implant dentist before moving forward with the procedure because certain oral conditions have to be identified first to determine whether implants will be a successful solution.