Dental implants are a way to replace a missing tooth in a way that looks and feels close to natural. Dental implant surgery is a multistep process, and it is important to know what to expect before you get started. You should speak with your dentist about whether implants are a good fit for you. The frequently asked questions below are a good place to get started learning about the process.
There are a few factors that influence whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery. The first of these is your age. The teeth and jaw take time to mature, and it is not recommended to try the surgery until they are fully developed. For some people, this is around age 18, while for others the jaw may not fully develop until their 20s. If you have questions about whether your jaw is mature enough, your dentist should be able to help you decide.
Certain underlying health conditions or habits, such as smoking, may also affect your ability to have successful dental implant surgery. These issues can be discussed during a consultation appointment.
In some cases, such as when a tooth has been missing for a long time, the supporting bone for the implant may not be strong enough. Dental implants are still possible in these scenarios, but a bone graft may be necessary as an additional part of the process.
While there are some things that can prevent dental implants from being the right choice, for many people, they are a good option. You can get implants even if you are missing multiple teeth or have a tooth that has been missing for a long time. Having good dental health and hygiene habits improves your chances of being a good candidate for surgery. Everyone has different dental health needs, so speaking with a dentist on a case-by-case basis is essential.
Planning ahead is important when considering dental implants, as multiple appointments are needed to complete the process from start to finish. Generally, you will start with a consultation appointment with your dentist.
Once you know that dental implants will work for you, you can schedule an appointment to place the implant support. This is a small metal piece that will be affixed to your jaw. It is important that the jawbone is given time to properly heal at this stage, as it is how the new tooth will be held in place.
The final part of the process is affixing the crown, or tooth attachment, to the implant. Once this is done you should have a tooth that looks and functions very similarly to a natural tooth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Saratoga Springs, NY
While it takes several appointments to get dental implants, the finished results are low maintenance compared to other tooth replacement options. It is important to keep up with good dental hygiene habits and speak to your dentist about any concerns you have.
Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.
The process of getting dental implants is a series of smaller procedures that takes place over several appointments or several months. Some steps of preparation involve taking care of the physical body to respond appropriately to these procedures, and other steps are taken by the oral health professionals responsible for the treatment. The steps are…
One of the most popular restorations for missing teeth is dental implants. However, that does not mean that they are appropriate for every patient. Under certain circumstances, implants may be contraindicated. If you are interested in this treatment, you should discuss with your dentist whether you are a candidate.The implant procedure involves multiple steps.A rod…
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants are a common treatment method and are becoming increasingly popular. Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and help to restore the functionality needed for proper biting, chewing, and even speaking. A potential recipient…
The field of general dentistry involves taking care of the whole mouth, not only the teeth. Tobacco use is dangerous to your overall well-being, but your oral health is particularly at risk. When you smoke, your mouth is the first place that the nicotine and tar go. A general dentist sees firsthand the damage that…
A tooth abscess is one of the most serious problems treated in general dentistry. It occurs due to an infection in the tooth or gums. The body sends white blood cells to the site to fight the infection. These form a yellowish-white fluid called pus. An abscess occurs when a pocket of pus forms in…