Wondering if dental implants are for you? This post may help you decide if you are a good candidate for a dental implant procedure.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. Whether you have been missing a tooth for a long time, or have recently had a tooth extraction, a dental implant surgery could help you get your smile back. In addition to the cosmetic benefits of dental implants, they can also help maintain healthy teeth and a happy mouth.

When your mouth is missing teeth, it can lead to shifting or loss of other nearby teeth. It can also cause problems with chewing or speaking which creates uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. A simple dental implant procedure could improve both your oral health and your quality of life.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

During a consultation appointment, your dentist can explain the dental implant process and recommend whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are a candidate for dental implants, you and your dentist can discuss the best treatment plan. Most of the time a surgeon is not necessary for a dental implant treatment. However, depending on the type of dental implant placement, a dentist may decide that you need a referral to an oral surgeon. It is also important to note that not all dentists can perform a dental implant procedure and additional training and certification is required. Be sure to do your research when choosing dental care, so that you can find the best practice to suit your needs.

Are There Different Kinds Of Dental Implants?

There are different types of implants, but the most common are titanium implants with a porcelain replacement tooth. The replacement tooth will be specially ground to match your bite pattern and will be attached to a titanium screw which is surgically implanted into your jaw. It may sound frightening, but think of it in the same way as you would the roots of your teeth.

What Will Happen After I Receive Dental Implants?

After you receive dental implants, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene and after care at home. Following treatment, your dentist will put you on a follow-up treatment plan to ensure that the dental implant placement holds and that the gum tissue around the implant remains in good health. Beyond that, taking care of dental implants is really no different than taking care of the rest of the teeth in your mouth. Be sure to brush and floss and visit your local dentist regularly for check-ups.

Can Dental Implants Fail?

In some cases, dental implants do fail. Their success rate is typically very high, but some factors like the condition of the gum area surrounding the implant do come into play. People who have gum disease are likely not good candidates for dental implants until their gum tissue is in better health. There has also been some evidence that smokers are at greater risk for implant failure. However if you are a non-smoker with healthy gums, you should expect good results from your dental implant surgery.

There has also been some evidence that if you have uncontrolled diabetes with A1C of grater then 8.0 is associated with risk of implant failure, please consider to consult with your endocrinologist and lower your A1C before considering getting dental implants, Other health concern is patient with Osteoporosis with very low bone density, please make sure you give all details to your dentist placing your dental implants as this could be determining factor if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Another main concern is smoking and dental implants, as smokers are at greater risk for implant failure. However if you are a non-smoker with healthy gums, you should expect good results from your dental implant surgery.

Get The Dental Treatment You Deserve

We believe that everyone deserves a bright, healthy, and beautiful smile. That’s why we offer cosmetic dental options that cater to each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Our state of the art facility and highly trained Simi Valley dentists will craft a treatment plan and guide you through the process to deliver exceptional results. Don’t wait any longer to achieve the smile of your dreams; schedule a consultation with us today!