Dental implant treatment is a great fit for many who wish to have a functional smile again. A long lasting and proven treatment, dental implants and restorations are nearly as good as natural teeth. However, many patients forgo treatment as they consider it to be too invasive or uncomfortable. This is far from the truth. Even older patients can enjoy the full benefits of dental implant treatment, for candidates are not necessarily determined by age, but rather their bone structure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Treatment?
Teeth are important for bone structure, not just chewing and speaking. The jaw bone supports teeth with nutrients, but when they’re missing, there’s no need for the jaw bone to provide support in those areas any longer. As a result, the bone shrinks and diverts those resources elsewhere. People lose teeth for various reasons, but without a permanent solution, the jaw bone shrinks. It’s not so noticeable for individuals missing one or two teeth, but those missing many experience significant changes.
Besides restoring a full smile, dental implants are designed to encourage new bone structure. Implant posts are placed directly into the jaw, and are made with materials that fuse to the bone, utilizing a natural process called osseointegration. Good candidates will have enough bone density to support these implants and merge with them. It’s up to your dentist to decide if there’s enough structure, and to make a treatment plan that works naturally with your jaw.
Missing Teeth for a Long Time? Sick of those Dentures?
In some cases, patients may not have enough bone to support implants. With oral surgery, however, many more patients can receive treatment. Bone grafts on upper and lower arches resupply the requisite tissue, giving proper structure for an even and rebuilt smile. This may be necessary for individuals who have been without teeth for many years, but provides patients with a great opportunity to obtain dental implant treatment.
Denture or partial denture wearers can leave behind their temporary appliances, and acquire a permanent and much more comfortable smile. With custom restorations affixed to your new implants, you don’t have to worry about adhesives or maintenance of the appliance any longer. Instead, you can return to daily brushing and flossing as with real teeth.
Visit Lakewood Ranch Smiles for Dental Implants
We take care of patients with missing teeth from start to finish. Dr. Michelle Scala is skilled in planning, placing, and restoring implants according to your individual smile. Contact us for a dental implant consultation, and begin the process to obtain comfortable daily function again.