Dental implants are truly a modern marvel, offering patients the ability to restore their smile to its original beauty after tooth loss. In addition to stimulating jawbone tissue to preserve bone and limit tissue resorption, dental implants also boast an impressive lifespan—capable of lasting a lifetime when well cared for by patients. Dr. Sander I. White is an important part of the implant team that surgically places the actual implant root form and then creates the tooth restoration that attaches to it. Dr. White will introduce you to the team and will manage the process for you, from evaluation of your needs to selection of the overall plan for your success.
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Good Candidates for Dental Implants:
Are Committed To Proper Oral Hygiene. Dental implants themselves might not be able to get cavities, but the rest of your natural teeth and the surrounding tissues can still be affected by decay. Bacterial infections can occur at the implant site, putting the stability and health of your implant in jeopardy. To ward off these kinds of problems, good candidates for dental implants need to be committed to proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
Have Sufficient Bone Density. Dental implants are only as strong as their anchor, which is why bone density is such an important factor in receiving dental implants. Before you are considered for the procedure, your implant team will carefully evaluate the health, density, width, height, and depth of your jawbone. If the bone is too weak or too small, you may need bone grafting before implants can be placed.
Don’t Smoke. Smoking can affect oral tissue healing, as well as put people at a much higher risk for developing periodontal disease and oral cancer. In order to help dental implants to heal and integrate as seamlessly as possible, patients need to be committed to stopping smoking, at least for the duration of their implant treatment and recovery period.
Don’t Grind or Clench Their Teeth. Teeth grinding or clenching can damage dental implants or make it impossible for them to heal. If you suffer from bruxism or tend to clench your teeth, those issues will need to be addressed before you can undergo dental implant surgery.
Haven’t Taken Certain Medications. Unfortunately, certain medications can disrupt the ability for bone to heal, which is why patients who have taken biphosphonate medications including Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva are compromised candidates for dental implants.
Understand the Timeline. Having dental implants placed and teeth installed on them takes time. In order to be a candidate for dental implants, you need to understand your personal procedural timeline and be dedicated to coming in for regular checkups to inspect your healing.
Do Not Suffer from Uncontrolled Medical Conditions. Dental implant surgery relies heavily on your personal ability to heal, which is why patients with uncontrolled medical conditions may not be eligible for surgery. Dr. White, as part of the implant team, will help you to determine the challenges that your personal medical history plays in the success and wisdom of dental implants for you.
Make Your Consultation Appointment Today!
If you want dental implants, but you are unsure about your personal candidacy for the procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. White today!
