How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants are a revolutionary technique for tooth replacement, providing a more permanent, natural solution than removable appliances, bridges, or dentures. If you are planning this process, you must analyze whether you are a candidate for dental implants.

Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants do not require adhesives or rely on surrounding teeth to stay in place. Instead, they are bonded to an individual’s jawbone to provide a durable support system for dental implants in Upper St. Clair, PA. In this blog, we will give a brief overview of when an individual can opt for dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are made of titanium materials and inserted into your jawbone. This is meant to support your teeth in place of the roots. Not only will dental implants help your teeth function effectively, but they will also boost the attractiveness of your smile.

These make an excellent option for a lifetime solution to replace your teeth. However, whether to undergo dental implantation is a decision that requires serious consideration.

Factors to Consider Before Dental Implants

The following are the most crucial considerations that define whether you are qualified for the use of dental implants in Upper St. Clair, PA:

1. Good Overall Health:

Before any surgical procedures, the individual should be in good health. Though dental implant surgery is considered simple, it is not entirely without its difficulties. Some individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, heart problems, and cancer, may need special consideration or may even be disqualified from the surgery. Individuals with health problems are advised to consult their doctors and dentists to determine whether they should proceed with dental implant surgery.

Since you have a healthy body, no chronic diseases that cannot be controlled, and no current infections, you would be a good candidate for dental implants. This procedure is safe and is not at all invasive.

2. Healthy Jawbone

One of the requirements for a successful dental implant procedure is adequate bone tissue in the jaw to support the titanium rods. The implants would require bone fusion to be stable. If a sufficient period of time has passed since the loss of the teeth, it would be possible that the bone tissue near the missing tooth has begun to decrease in size.

The positive aspect of this issue is that, even if you do not have sufficient bone, there are techniques to increase the amount. For instance, a bone grafting procedure may be performed to replace your bone before the implant is installed. When you visit us for a consultation at South Hills Dental Arts, one of the things we assess is your bone health.

3. Healthy Gums

Healthy gums are necessary for the successful accomplishment of a dental implant procedure’s goals. Gum disease can prevent the successful fusion between the dental implant and the jawbone. This is mainly because a person with gum disease is likely to feel infection and inflammation of the jawbone-supporting tissue that holds teeth. Consequently, the jawbone is likely to be affected as well. Gum disease can pose a significant health hazard if left untreated.

Before dental implants are placed, your Upper St. Clair dentist will evaluate the condition of your gums to treat any existing conditions of gum disease before the procedure. Once your gums are healthy, your gums will be ready for dental implants.

4. Practice of Oral Hygiene

Another factor in the success of the dental implants is your care in maintaining oral hygiene after the procedure. Dental implants work just like your own teeth, so they have to be cleaned regularly. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and visiting your dentist are basic oral care practices that help ensure your dental implants remain healthy.

As long as you are willing to properly care for your oral health, implants are a great choice.

5. Age Factors

Dental implants can be performed on patients of all ages, but the timing of the surgery is of utmost importance. In young patients, the jaw must be fully developed before dental implant surgery. This is usually between the ages of 18 and 21. However, anyone over 18 with a healthy jaw and teeth can have a dental implant.

Even in your later years, dental implants provide a long-lasting, effective solution for tooth loss. You’re not alone when you’re in your 60s or older and consider fixing your smile. Indeed, many of our patients in Upper St. Clair, PA, choose dental implants to upgrade their quality of life.

6. Non-Smokers Have Better Success Rates

Smoking is well-documented to inhibit tissue healing, which can significantly affect an implant’s success rate. Smokers run a high risk of implant failure, periodontitis, and impaired healing due to smoking. Smokers who opt for the dental implant procedure can consider stopping their smoking habit before and even after the procedure to achieve the best possible outcome.

However, if you happen to be a smoker, your dentist from South Hills Dental Arts in PA will be able to provide advice on how to stop or cut down on your smoking to ensure a successful procedure.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect

If you are considering dental implants, remember, the process includes these steps:

• Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your teeth, gums, and bone structure. We may also require X-rays to determine your bone status and develop a personalized treatment solution.
• Implant Placement: After preparation, the titanium metal is placed inside the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure, carried out under local anesthesia for painlessness.
• Healing Period: After your implant has been inserted, it may take time for your jawbone to heal and bond with the titanium rod. This is called osseointegration. It may take a few months before it occurs. This will provide you with a stable root to support your new tooth.
• Placement of Abutment and Crown: After the implant has bonded well with the bone, an abutment is attached, followed by a crown designed to blend with the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, creating a beautiful smile for you.

Achieve a Lasting Smile with Dental Implants Today

If you are looking for dental implants in Upper St. Clair, PA, and meet the criteria listed above, it may be the perfect choice for you. Dental implants are actually the only long-term solution that looks like natural teeth.

At South Hills Dental Arts, we strive to provide personalized care for every patient. Our team is focused on providing quality care and helping our patients achieve the smile they desire. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and get the perfect smile that you deserve.

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