Dental implants are one of today's best tooth replacement options. They are strong, attractive, and provide excellent chewing function. Some patients may not believe that they are candidates for the procedure, but the truth is that most adults can successfully receive implants.
Patients Eligible for Dental Implants
Missing or Compromised Teeth
Dental implants can replace from one tooth to an entire arch at once. An implant may be a more permanent solution if you have problems with your teeth or have failed restorations like bridges and crowns.
Healthy Gums
The dental implant process depends on gum health. If the gums aren't healthy, they may become infected after surgery, leading to implant failure.
Sufficient Jawbone Mass
It would be best to have a healthy jawbone with plenty of space to insert the anchor to receive implants. However, if you do not have enough jawbone mass at the start, you can easily receive a bone graft from an oral surgeon. A grafting procedure adds volume and strengthens the bone structure.
You may also be able to receive mini dental implants. These implants fit into small spaces and areas with lower bone mass. They are an excellent option for patients who do not want bone grafts and would like the process completed quickly.
How Dental Implants Work
A dental implant replaces the entire natural tooth, from the root to the crown. The dental implant post takes the root's place, bonding with the jawbone in osseointegration and providing a rock-solid base. The crown sits on a stainless steel abutment atop the implant post.
Implants come in multiple types:
- Single-Tooth Dental Implants: Replace one tooth at a time.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Replace a few teeth with better support and longevity than a traditional crown-supported bridge.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: We can place an entire arch of teeth with a small number of implant posts.
- Mini Dental Implants: These are available with immediate-load options to replace your tooth in one step.
Dr. Paczewski can review the various implant types and help you decide which option works best for your smile.
Conditions That May Contraindicate Dental Implants
While most adult patients are good candidates, some may need to look into other tooth replacement types.
This group may include patients with the following issues:
- Health conditions that impede healing, like cancer and uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking, which interferes with healing and blood flow
- Active, uncontrolled gum disease
- Untreated tooth decay
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
If I quit smoking, can I get dental implants?
If you commit to quitting smoking, you can safely receive dental implants.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a high success rate of about 95 percent for the first ten years.
Call Dr. Todd Paczewski
Dental implants are more than cosmetic: they can improve your self-image and change your outlook on life.
To discover more about dental implants, please call our Forty Fort, PA, office at 570-287-2500. We can schedule a consultation with Dr. Paczewski to answer your questions and determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.