The functionality and success rate of dental implants has changed the face of dentistry over the last 25 years, making them a popular choice for many dental professionals and patients alike. As an artificial tooth root, a dental implant is placed into the jaw, giving stabilization to surrounding teeth and gums.
The question for most patients is, "Am I a candidate for a dental implant?"
For the most part, if you're missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or decay, you're a candidate for an implant. Even adolescents may be candidates if their jaw has stopped growing after puberty. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
A dental implant may not be the best option for you if you are a young person whose jawbones have not stopped growing. If you are a smoker or have a history of substance abuse, you also may not be a good candidate for an implant. In addition, medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, radiation, advanced gum disease, or immune deficiencies may lessen the success rate of a dental implant, making you an unlikely candidate.
Of course, only a dental professional can make this determination. Thus, a thorough evaluation of your dental and health history is necessary.
Your specialist will begin your evaluation by ordering an x-ray of your mouth, and perhaps a computer tomography (CT) scan. The basis of success for dental implants is having enough bone in the jaw to support the actual implant. The CT scan will help the specialist decide if the implant will be able to withstand the forces of chewing, by assessing the jawbone density or strength. It's important to know that if the specialist discovers that there is not enough density, there are options, such as a bone graft, to prepare the mouth for an implant procedure.
Frederick Dental is happy to serve the Boulder area, and you'll be pleased to know that Dr. Frederick is proficient in restorative dentistry, including dental implants. Dr. Frederick values patient education, and will make certain that you are well informed about every aspect of your dental procedure. Give Frederick Dental a call today to schedule your appointment.