Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? Fort Wayne INCosmetic dentistry has come a long way over the years. Through the improvement of technology, there are numerous advances in both procedures and applications of the available treatment options. When patients consider cosmetic procedures it typically involves improving their smile. Whether by poor oral hygiene, trauma, or disease, tooth loss can be both painful and traumatic. For those patients considering potential solutions, implants are ideal. They can provide support and improve facial structure by keeping cheeks and lips in their correct position. Why not contact us at Summit Dental Group and find out more about dental implants and their benefits. Good Candidates for the ProcedureUnfortunately, not every patient can be considered a candidate for dental implants. It is an invasive procedure applied directly to the jawbone. If the patient has suffered from gum disease and lost a lot of bone material the implants will not have enough bone mass to place them properly. If the patient has enough bone tissue to support the dental implant, the next assessment is to examine the gum tissue to ensure that it is healthy enough for the procedure. If the patient suffers from gum disease or other potentially damaging infections, our staff has to treat those conditions first before an implant can be considered. Healthy gums are vital to the success of the operation but also to a complete recovery. Gum disease and other infections can slow the recovery process. Good HygieneThe American Dental Association recommends proper brushing and flossing two times a day. This is incredibly important following the dental procedure. It will help fight the bacteria which can build up causing tartar to take hold. They should also use mouthwash to rinse their mouths at least two times a day especially following every meal. Two dental exams and cleanings a year are important too. Other Health ConcernsIt should be noted other health concerns can impact the efficacy of the dental implants. Although they do not preclude them from the procedure it only means our staff needs to be aware of when determining the best course of action. We will need to do a complete medical history for every patient to find out any underlying circumstances that would complicate the procedure. Heart conditions, diabetes, and being a cancer survivor can all complicate dental implants. Also, for smokers and those who have advanced gum disease, and patients who are female and either in menopause or are post-menopausal, dental implants might not work. Also, if patients receive treatment for those conditions, we can reconsider dental implants as an option in the future. Before any decision is made, an in-depth assessment needs to be completed before any treatment options can be put into place. Come see us at Summit Dental Group to find out more. We are always happy to discuss the options and the necessary steps it will take to put one or multiple dental implants in place. If there are additional health concerns, we can discuss those too. Do not hesitate to contact us to talk it over. We know how important our patient's smiles are to them and want to do everything possible to improve them, so call us today. For more information, check out our Dental Implant FAQ! |