Category: Blog

Best Conditions for a Successful Dental Implant

If dental implants are said to have high rates of success (98% as reported), then shouldn’t a lot of people with missing teeth have implants? Generally speaking, yes. Almost everyone with missing teeth can be good candidates for dental implants, everyone who is in good general health and oral health can be candidates. However, the truth is, not everyone is enjoying this good state of health. 

For your dentist to consider if you are a good candidate for dental implants, here are the conditions that should be present.

• You must be healthy enough to undergo surgery, such as tooth extraction and gum surgery, and can handle the anesthetic or sedation process required.
• You should have healthy gums and not be suffering from serious gum disease such as periodontitis.
• You must have enough bone mass to hold the implant. Patients with serious gum disease may not have sufficient bone to anchor the implant.
• You must be committed to the practise of good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist so as to prolong the life of the implant(s).

There may be groups of patients that are not ideal for dental implants.

• If you are a heavy smoker; smokers have a reduced rate of healing after surgery.
• If you are suffering from unmanaged or uncontrolled chronic conditions, like diabetes or heart disease; these patients also heal poorly and implant stability may be at risk.
• If you have cancer of the mouth, jaw, or the head and neck, and/or have just had radiation treatment to these areas. These patients already have weakened gums and bones that may jeopardize the success of the implants.
• If you are taking certain medications, such as steroids or immunosuppressive drugs; patients on these medicines may have a lowered resistance to infections   .
• If you are a teeth grinder or you have a habit of clenching your teeth; it may create unnecessary pressure on the implants causing some long-term damage.

All the above conditions may affect the success outcome of dental implants. Nonetheless, it is up to your dentist and his team to make the proper assessment. You may still have dental implants after a thorough evaluation of your medical and oral history. It all depends upon individual basis.

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Wondering if you’re a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Do you want to know if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants at West Campus Dental Center? Come see us for a consultation in Federal Way and we can assess thoroughly.

Amazing Benefits of Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Implants are replacements for missing teeth. A gap in between teeth is not esthetically acceptable; it can hinder you from speaking well or smiling. It can be filled with a variety of options. Implants are popular and widely preferable by dentists and patients due to their durability and close likeness to your natural teeth shape and color. They have other amazing benefits.

Dental implants as replacement teeth closely resemble your natural teeth. They are not noticeable as not real teeth, so it improves your appearance, your smile and self-esteem.

Compared to more traditional modes of treatment, use of dental implants far exceeds expectations. Implants are more comfortable and convenient than removable dentures; you do not need to take them off during cleaning or sleeping. It makes eating easier and confident because implants will not loosen or dislodge unlike dentures. It improves your speech as implants do not slip or slide off due to their secure hold on your jaw bone.

There are other advantages you may not know about but your dentist certainly does.

Dental implants prevent bone loss.

You can lose bone mass in your jaw once there is no longer a natural tooth with its embedded root in place. Bone has to be naturally stimulated to continue to grow. Dentures or bridges cannot provide that. Implants also restore bite force which you need when biting on food; the titanium post of an implant anchors securely in the bone so that you can bite with the same force you are used to.

Implants also restore the shape of your face.

Remember when you lose some teeth, bone structure beneath them can resorb or stop growing, creating hollowness or spaces where bone used to be. It can make your face appear older, changing the shape of your face. Dental implants also support adjacent teeth, preventing them from drifting or shifting their positions causing misalignments. You can confidently smile with a straight set of teeth.

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Learn More about Dental Implants in Federal Way

If you have missing teeth and wondering about getting dental implants, come visit your Federal Way dentist and know more.