Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If we had it our way at Just Smiles General, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry in Hilliard, everyone would be eligible for dental implants! But we know that certain conditions make it more difficult to fuse the titanium implant to the bone.
Our team has a specific set of steps we take to ensure your eligibility for a dental implant.
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1. We perform an in-depth gum tissue, jaw, and tooth analysis.
2. Through the use of advanced technology, we determine whether your jaw has enough bone structure to securely hold an implant.
3. We monitor your gums and teeth throughout the whole implant process, from procedure to healing, in order to make sure your body is reacting positively to your new restoration.
4. If medical conditions mean that you are not yet eligible, we can discuss options to strengthen your jaw before we proceed with dental implants.
Whatever your situation is, our practice makes space for it. Whether you have dental trauma, a mouth injury, advanced periodontal disease, or have simply started losing teeth to age and decay, dental implants can give you a new lease on life.
How to Prepare for Dental Implants
We recommend all our patients keep a strict brushing and flossing regimen at all times; but it’s especially important in the weeks leading up to an implant procedure. Avoiding cavities and additional complications is crucial to reducing the risk of changes in your jaw or tooth structure prior to the process.
- Brush 2-3 times a day and make sure to be thorough.
- Avoid sugary and starchy foods; you don’t want to deteriorate the area that has to support the implant.
- Floss multiple times a day to prevent food debris from lodging itself in your gums and between your teeth; this can accelerate decay.
In general, you want to avoid the status of your enamel and gum health changing between your preliminary analysis and the actual procedure. If this happens, you could become ineligible even after your initial consult. So, keep up that dental health routine!
As for stress, keep it to a minimum. The anxiety from a dental procedure can often be enough to make you put it off. Instead, remind yourself that dental implants are an investment in your future. They consist of the most advanced technology in modern dentistry, have a success rate of 95%, and can restore your chewing ability, confidence, and aesthetic consistency.
Some tips to help you relax before your implant procedure include:
- Playing calming music, either at your residence or on the car ride over
- Meditation and deep breathing
- Reading more about our sedation options.
Dental Implant Aftercare
There are many steps to a dental implant from Just Smiles General, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry in Hilliard, and each one requires time to heal. If any of your restorations are still recent, we recommend gentle brushing and restricting sugary and starchy foods.
If there are any problem areas in your mouth that are still exposed, these kinds of foods can get stuck and infect the tissue around your dental restoration. After every implant dentistry procedure, your team will make sure to design a custom aftercare plan that is specifically tailored to your implant and your needs.
What makes a good candidate for dental implants?
Our team has put together a list of eligibility requirements for a dental implant. Check them out below, but remember: if you’re not eligible, it’s not the end of your dental journey! During your consult with us, we will analyze any hurdles to your eligibility and propose solutions.
- Good Overall Dental Health: This one might be general, but patients with healthy smiles, few cavities, and only minor gaps or cracks in their teeth have a high chance of being eligible for dental implants.
- Required Bone Structure: If you have a good amount of remaining enamel and bone, you are more likely to be able to support the implant itself.
- Healthy Gums: If you have healthy gums and you floss often, it will result in a lack of gum recession and a higher chance of successfully supporting dental implants.
- A Commitment to Regular Care: A dental implant requires constant care; both at home and in the dental office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many teeth can I replace with dental implants?
A: A single dental implant can restore one or two broken, chipped, or missing teeth. If you need more work, (LINK) full arch dental implants can replace an entire arch, whether it’s the upper arch or lower arch. We can even replace both, for a brand-new smile!
Q: Am I able to chew normally after my procedure?
A: Dental implants restore your complete bite force. After your procedure and healing period, you will be able to chew and eat whatever you desire.
Q: How long does the dental implant process take?
A: On average, it takes 2-3 months to complete the restoration, with plenty of time allotted to healing. This varies by patient and restoration; it also doesn’t account for the eligibility analysis and any measures we might have to take in order to prepare you for your implant.
Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: If you care for them, implants will remain in place for decades, and could even last a lifetime. We suggest a healthy brushing and flossing regimen.
Q: How much pain should I expect?
A: Though the procedure is lengthy, we will make sure to minimize any discomfort during your treatment. If you’re nervous about pain management, read more about our (LINK) sedation options.
Q: How much do dental implants cost?
A: Every situation is different, but our team will sit down with you and discuss our options to make sure the treatment fits your budget and needs. Read more about our financing options.
