Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are dealing with missing teeth, you might be wondering if dental implants in Louisville are right for you.

They are a very popular tooth replacement option because they provide a natural look and can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, before you can get these artificial teeth, Dr. William Newman will first need to assess your current oral health to determine if you’re a good candidate.

To find out what factors go into this decision, read this short guide from Perennial Dental.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth that mimic the look and structure of natural teeth.

They are made from three parts:

• A titanium post that gets inserted into the jawbone and replaces the tooth’s root 

• An abutment, which is a connector piece designed to absorb some of the shock put on the implant while chewing 

• A dental crown, which is the part of the implant you can see and completes your smile.

Dental implant surgery involves inserting the post into the bone. After that, your body will start healing, and the bone and surrounding tissue will fuse with the titanium post. This process is called osseointegration and typically lasts around 6 months. 

Once the implant heals, you can then get both the abutment and the crown to complete the procedure.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Dental implants present some unique perks compared to other tooth replacement procedures:

• Look completely natural
• Require only regular brushing and flossing to maintain
• Are a permanent replacement
• Help keep the adjacent teeth stable
• Dental crowns only need to be replaced every 15 years or so.
• Help prevent jawbone loss by stimulating the bone every time you chew

Thanks to these advantages, many patients turn to implants to restore their smiles.

Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to get one.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implant surgery has a very high success rate because, prior to the procedure, your dentist will analyze your oral health and medical history to see if you’re a good candidate.

You are likely a great candidate for implants if you:

• Don’t have other major oral health issues, such as gum disease.
• Have a healthy bone
• Don’t grind your teeth.
• Showcase good oral hygiene habits.
• Don’t have a titanium allergy.

In some cases, you may still get dental implants even if you’re not deemed a good candidate. Some patients can get prep procedures that improve their oral health or even bone health (such as a bone graft), which will allow them to get implants successfully.

Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

See Louisville dentist Dr. William Newman for a short consultation to find out for sure if dental implants are the right solution for you.

Request a visit to Perennial Dental online or call our practice at (502) 458-5292 to learn more about our dental implant services.