If you are living life with missing teeth, it may have crossed your mind to investigate what dental implants can do for you. One of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are durable, functional tooth replacements that blend in with your natural teeth. At The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas, we have changed thousands of lives through dental implants, offering solutions for single or multi-tooth replacements.
But while dental implants can be a great choice for improving your smile, are they the right choice? The answer is complex, depending on multiple factors including bone density, overall health, and lifestyle. Learn more about what a dental implant is, how it works, and how to know if you’re a good candidate.
What To Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking replacement that fills the space that once held a tooth. There are three parts to the dental implant process:
- Post: The foundation of a dental implant starts with the insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone. As it heals, it will merge into the existing jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.
- Abutment: Once healed, a tiny connector piece known as an abutment is screwed on top of the post titanium post.
- Crown: To top off the implant, a crown will be attached to the abutment. Crowns are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, making them blend in perfectly with your other teeth.
Once finished, dental implants look and act the same as a natural tooth and when taken care of properly can last a lifetime. The benefits of dental implants include:
- With proper care, they can last for years – up to a lifetime
- They look and feel like natural teeth
- Implants help prevent bone loss
- Implants don’t impact surrounding teeth
- Improved quality of life
While there are many great reasons to pursue dental implants, they unfortunately aren’t suitable for everybody.
Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Visiting a specialist is the only way to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. To decide if implants are the right choice for you, the team at The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas will consider the following:
- Bone Density: The biggest determining factor on whether dental implants are possible revolves around bone density. There must be enough healthy bone in the area where the implant will go to support the post and allow for integration. If the existing bone is too thin or weak, implants won’t be a feasible option. For many, this isn’t a full stop though. Bone grafting now makes it possible to help rebuild the bone and allow for eventual implants.
- Oral Health: For a successful implant, there must be a healthy foundation within the mouth. Any ongoing gum disease will need to be successfully treated and managed before implants will be possible. It’s important for patients to maintain good oral hygiene and frequent dental visits to ensure a healthy environment.
- Health & Lifestyle: A patient’s overall health must be considered when determining if implants are a good fit. Uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes can make healing more difficult, increasing the risk of implant rejection. Another factor that slows healing is certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking or drinking alcohol. Implants are also best for adults whose jawbones have fully developed – they aren’t a good option for a younger demographic whose jaws are still growing and shifting.
Find Out If You’re A Candidate For Dental Implants
When it comes to dental implants, certain factors can hinder the process. For the most part, though, dental implants can help the majority of people transform their smile into one they can be proud of. A highly successful procedure, implants can change your life with a long-lasting, attractive solution that will boost confidence while improving the function of your teeth. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to reach out to The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas for a consultation appointment as soon as possible. There’s no time like the present to get the ball rolling on bringing your smile back to life!
