Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

People lose teeth every day for a wide variety of reasons: Advanced gum disease. Tooth decay. Falls and other types of collisions. Sports accidents. But ignoring the issue or opting not to replace the teeth can have serious effects on your oral health.

For many people, dental implants are a safe, durable, and natural way to replace their missing teeth. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants are a permanent solution that aren’t susceptible to decay. With excellent dental care, they can last up to a decade – or even longer!

Keep reading to learn more about this popular tooth replacement procedure and find out whether it’s a good fit for you.

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What Are Dental Implants?

First, let’s review some basic tooth anatomy. The flat or chiseled uppermost part of the tooth that is used for chewing is called the crown. The white surface that covers the tooth is called the enamel. Below the gumline (the pink, fleshy tissue that surrounds your teeth) is the root. The root is important because it holds the tooth in place. Like the root of a tree, it extends far beneath the gumline, actually making up about two-thirds of the tooth (Colgate).

Dental implants act as an artificial tooth root in people who have lost their teeth from gum disease or other causes. It is a small titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone and provides a strong foundation for the bridge, crown, denture, or other dental prosthesis. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, “Replacement of lost teeth with dental implants has been used for treating missing teeth for more than 50 years and is recognized as an effective treatment choice.”

There are many benefits to dental implants. They do not need to be removed like conventional dentures and with good care they can last for many years. Since they are bonded to your jawbone, there is no risk of your implants slipping or sliding during talking or chewing. They also look and feel like your real teeth!

The Procedure

The process of getting dental implants and attaching prosthetics typically takes about six to eight months total. The first step is having the implants placed in (or, in the case of subperiosteal implants, above) the jawbone. As the implant site heals over the next three to six months, the jawbone will grow around the titanium post and create a solid bond.

Once the implant site has healed completely (your periodontist will schedule a check-up to see how your jaw is recovering), the prosthetic teeth can be created and attached to a small connector post. The type of prosthesis that is used will vary from case to case, but the end result is always teeth that look and feel like the real thing.

How to Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

You might be wondering, “Can anyone get dental implants?” While dental implants are a great and viable option for many people, this type of surgery is not right for everyone. While the procedure has a high rate of success, it does require a good amount of bone and healthy gums to hold the implant in place. Patients with underlying health issues including diabetes and heart disease, as well as smokers and people with poor oral hygiene, may not be good candidates for implants.

At Central Florida Periodontics and Implantology we ask that everyone considering dental implants undergo a special evaluation process to determine whether or not this procedure is right for them.

We know you have options when it comes to dental implants Orlando FL, so we hope you’ll consider Dr. Jeffrey Sevor and the expert team at Central Florida Periodontics and Implantology. If you still have questions and want to know whether or not dental implants are a good fit for you, reach out and let us know today!