When Implants May Not be an Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

When Implants May Not be an Option for Replacing Missing Teeth from My Saratoga Dentist PLLC in Saratoga Springs, NYDental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth, but they are not for everybody. Tooth loss is common among all age groups, whether due to injury or disease. Implants are considered an extremely effective option for replacing teeth.

The procedure itself is relatively straightforward. Your dentist will embed a small metal rod into your jawbone. The rod is a replacement for the tooth root and acts as an anchor for a fake crown. It is a sturdy replacement, and often considered a permanent, life-long fix. However, as with any procedure, it is only for those medically fit and able to undergo the surgery.

The time before the dental implant procedure

Dental implants require a lot of time and planning before the procedure (and, as discussed below, a big-time commitment after). First, you must be willing to spend time with your dentist to plan for the procedure. This may require multiple visits, including general evaluations, ongoing discussions with the dentist, and imaging with radiographic technology like CT scans. Your dentist wants to ensure the correct placement of the implant.

Bone density

You will have to be evaluated to determine if you are a qualified candidate. Implants may not be an option for replacing missing teeth for many reasons. First, you may not have an adequate bone density in the jaw. If the anticipated implant site is not dense enough, the implant will not take, and the procedure will fail.

If you do not have sufficient bone density, you are not a candidate for the implant procedure. However, your dentist may recommend other procedures which can help stimulate bone growth. This may help you achieve the bone density needed for a successful implant procedure.

Medically clear

Provided you are otherwise a suitable candidate for the procedure, you will also need medical clearance before proceeding. For example, if you have unchecked gum disease or decay, the infection may be present. Your mouth must be infection-free for the procedure.

After a successful implant placement procedure, you must allow three to six months for healing and “osseointegration,” where your jawbone fuses with the implant. This is a slow process and requires extreme vigilance on the part of the patient. First, you will have to limit your diet to certain soft foods, as hard foods may damage the implant in the early days or weeks.

Also, you will have to exercise excellent dental hygiene throughout this period, ensuring that infection does not develop. If the infection does develop anywhere in the mouth, it could spread to the operative site, interrupting bone growth, and causing damage to your teeth and gums.

The dental implant procedure is a time-intensive option for replacing missing teeth. However, due to the implant procedure’s high success rates and effectiveness, it is worth considering if you are the right candidate. Speak with your dentist about implant procedures and the pre-and post-implant periods.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options For Replacing Missing Teeth in Saratoga Springs, NY

Call Us Today

Request an appointment or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at 518-675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

Recent Posts

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth From Sports Injuries

Participating in sports is a fun and healthy hobby, but it can lead patients to search for options for replacing missing teeth. Unfortunately, losing teeth due to a sports injury is common, especially in contact sports. Fortunately, there are solutions for restoring your smile.A single tooth replacement (crown), fixed partial or complete denture, or maxillofacial…

Dental Implant Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

If you have lost multiple teeth, dental implants are one of the options for replacing missing teeth. This article highlights how dental implants work as a tooth replacement. Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. They act as prosthetic tooth roots, securing oral restorations that replace missing teeth.Dental implants are…

Implant Supported Full Bridge - An Option For Replacing Missing Teeth

When searching for the most suitable option for replacing missing teeth, you might have come across an implant-supported bridge. So, what exactly is it, and why should you opt for it?A dental bridge is a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. It's made up of numerous components fused to fill the gap left by your…

Recent Posts

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth From Sports Injuries

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth From Sports Injuries

Participating in sports is a fun and healthy hobby, but it can lead patients to search for options for replacing missing teeth. Unfortunately, losing teeth due to a sports injury is common, especially in contact sports. Fortunately, there are solutions for restoring your smile.A single tooth replacement (crown), fixed partial or complete denture, or maxillofacial…

Understanding Sedation Dentistry: How It Can Improve Your Dental Experience

Understanding Sedation Dentistry: How It Can Improve Your Dental Experience

Sedation dentistry is a viable option for patients seeking a more relaxed and comfortable experience during dental procedures. Using various sedation techniques, dentists can help alleviate anxiety, minimize discomfort, and ensure that treatments are completed efficiently. This form of dentistry is beneficial for individuals with dental fears, sensitive teeth, or a need for extensive dental…