When you’re missing one or more of your teeth, you realise how it affects your daily life. You feel self-conscious about smiling in public and have to stick to softer foods because you can’t chew like you once could. Unfortunately, there are also oral health concerns associated with gaps in your smile, including bone loss, shifting teeth and increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
So, if you’re considering your tooth replacement options, what makes you a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental Implants: The Gold Standard of Tooth Replacement
Although you have more than one option for tooth replacement, dental implants are considered the gold standard. Because we replace your tooth’s root with a titanium post, it will stimulate your jawbone and keep it from deteriorating. Also, dental implants offer the most aesthetically pleasing and durable way to restore your smile.
The implant process includes these steps:
- First, we will place the titanium implant into your jawbone. It will heal over several months, fusing with your jaw in a process known as osseointegration.
- Once your jaw heals, we will add a connector to your implant.
- Finally, we will add a dental crown or other restoration to complete your smile.
Eligibility Criteria for Dental Implants
Before considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, consider the following eligibility criteria for the implant procedure:
Bone density – You must have sufficient jawbone density to support the dental implant.
Oral health – You must be free from tooth decay and periodontal disease before the dental implant surgery.
Facial development – You must be finished growing before implant surgery, making children and most teens younger than 18 years old ineligible for dental implants.
Lifestyle factors – If you smoke or drink alcohol, there is a greater risk of implant failure. Talk to your dentist about this risk.
Considering Dental Implants in Warners Bay, NSW?
If you need an implant dentist to help with tooth replacement, look no further than the dental team at Smiles HQ in Warners Bay. We will happily discuss your dental implant candidacy at your initial consultation. You can call us on (02) 4062 0705 to arrange an appointment.