Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Phoenix, Arizona

 f you have lost one or more teeth, it is crucial that you replace them to head off bone loss and tissue  collapse, prevent your other teeth from drifting, and to maintain the appearance and function of your teeth. One of the best ways to accomplish all these goals is with a dental implant. Dental implants are the tooth replacement option that best imitates the stability and appearance of your natural teeth. But are you a candidate for dental implants?

This page gives some basic information about who is a candidate for dental implants, but the only way to learn whether you are actually a candidate is in a personal consultation and dental evaluation. To schedule your consultation, please call 800-509-8357 or email Scott LeSueur & Charles Dodaro Cosmetic Dentistry today.

Why You Might Need Dental Implants

 

Dental implants are a great treatment option for people who have lost one or more teeth. The advantages of dental implants include:

• No special care necessary
• Look and function close to  natural teeth
• Comfortable
• Durable--long-lasting or permanent replacement
• Support jawbone and gum health

 

These advantages make dental implants an ideal solution for people looking for a cosmetic and functional replacement for one or more lost teeth.

Who Can Get Dental Implants

 

Dental implants are placed directly into the jawbone, mimicking the position and function of your natural tooth root. They are then capped with an aesthetic and functional dental crown that performs the role of the natural tooth crown. You cannot get a dental implant if there is reason to believe the implant may fail. This may mean:

• Insufficient jawbone to support implant
• Untreated periodontal issues that led to loss of prior tooth
• Taking medications that may increase your risk of complications
• Poor general health
• Previous radiation to the Jaw area or Biophosphate use

 

In many of these cases,  conditions can be treated: Periodontal health can be restored, and a bone graft can be used to prepare the jaw for a dental implant. Be sure to talk to us about all medications you are taking prior to your dental implant procedure. We will highlight medications of concern and then you can talk to your doctor about treatment alternatives.

Are You Ready for Implants?

 

If you are healthy enough for implants, the next thing to do is prepare yourself psychologically for the procedure. Make sure you do all the research necessary to understand the dental implant procedure and your role in ensuring the procedure's success.

You should also be prepared for the length of time the procedure requires. After the dental implant is placed in the jawbone, in many cases it must be allowed to integrate before the dental crown is placed. Depending on the placement of the implant and the condition of your bite, this may be as long as three months before the abutment that attaches the crown to the implant can be placed, then potentially weeks or months before the final cosmetic crown is placed.  There are now several varieties of implants and new procedures that allow immediate loading og implants so crowns can be attached much sooner in some cases and sometimes the same day

To learn whether you are a candidate for dental implants, please contact Scott LeSueur & Charles Dodaro Cosmetic Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona.