If you are among the many Americans who have missing teeth, you may have concerns about your future oral health. Perhaps you have been informed by your dentist that you will need to get some of your teeth extracted for health reasons. Dentists make attempts to avoid unnecessary extractions, but some circumstances may make it a sensible approach for certain situations.
In the past, individuals did not have many options to replace missing teeth. They could opt to have gaps between their teeth or choose dental appliances such as dentures or dental bridges. These dental appliances are still in use today, but technological advancements have created options for individuals who desire the most realistic-looking prosthetic teeth. You likely have heard of dental implants, which are considered semi-permanent because they can last a lifetime for most individuals. The following points will help you understand more about replacing teeth using this innovative dental solution.
Intended Purpose
Implants are designed to replace missing teeth. They differ from some dental solutions used to treat this issue because individuals can get one dental or more depending on their needs. Individuals missing multiple teeth may be able to get special dental bridges that attach to implanted metal devices. These are ideal because they do not stress natural teeth. Traditional bridges are attached to natural teeth and may cause them to shift out of place over time.
Ideal Candidates
Dental implants are ideal for individuals who are in generally good health. Age is not a major factor, but some of the conditions that may surface later in life, such as diabetes, might impact whether dental implants are suggested by dentists to certain patients. This does not mean that having health conditions will result in you not being able to get dental implants. However, the dentist you choose will likely want to be sure that your condition is deemed to be under control by your physician.
Certain habits may also factor into whether you are a good candidate. Tobacco smoking can negatively impact dental implants and could result in implant failure. It can also cause complications with healing from the implant surgery. Individuals who have poor dental hygiene habits may also need to consider lifestyle changes because poor dental hygiene can lead to bacterial infections that cause dental implant complications.
Adequate bone tissue is a critical marker for most dental implant recommendations. Implants need adequate bone tissue to stay in place. If there are signs of bone tissue loss, a bone graft can aid in regenerating the tissue. Many individuals have had success with their dental implant procedures by opting to regenerate their bone tissue prior to dental implant surgery.
Contact a company like Orange Door Dental Group to learn more.