Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants Federal Way, WA
Most people are candidates for dental implants and their benefits. The dental implants procedure is a tooth restoration that involves inserting implant posts into the jaw to support a dental prosthesis. However, certain aspects of a person's oral health can determine whether they can receive dental implants or not.
Dental implant restoration is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Dentists often recommend dental implants after performing a comprehensive evaluation of the patient. Call us today at (253) 336-0023 to book an appointment or learn more about our services.
A Great Restoration Option for Most People
Dental implants are durable and popular dental restoration for people who have lost one or more teeth. Failure to replace lost teeth makes chewing inefficient and may disrupt the structure of the oral cavity. Fortunately, people looking to restore the function and appearance of their smile can turn to dental implants. The dental implant process involves the surgical placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone to function as the foundation for a replacement tooth to keep it secure.
The dentist will then attach an abutment and a dental prosthesis (crown, bridge, or denture) to complete the restoration process. Dental implants have a high success rate of up to 98 percent. This is because its position in the jawbone helps to stimulate the bone and keep the living tissue alive. The restoration is the closest patients can get to having teeth that look, feel and function like their original teeth.
“Dental implants are durable and popular dental restoration for people who have lost one or more teeth.”
How Dentists Determine Candidates for Dental Implants
When patients visit the dental office, the dentist will perform a thorough examination to determine if the condition of their oral health may result in dental implant complications. Our dentist may recommend the proper treatment to restore good oral health and a patient's dental implant candidacy if any issues are detected.
When determining whether a patient can safely and effectively receive dental implants, the dentist may consider the patient's overall wellbeing during the initial consultation for dental implants. Since the treatment requires surgery, the patient needs to be healthy to undergo the procedure. Also, certain conditions may affect the way the bone heals around the implant and the long-term success of the procedure, including:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Diabetes
- Excess alcohol intake
- Medications such as NSAIDs, antidepressants, and bisphosphonates
- Smoking
Patients must complete treatment for any preexisting condition to prevent infection during the implant procedure.
“Patients must complete treatment for any preexisting condition to prevent infection during the implant procedure.”
Signs That a Dentist Looks For
During the implant consultation, the dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination and most likely order dental X-rays to determine if the patient is a candidate for dental implants. The dentist will consider the gum health, bone density, and overall health of the patient during the first visit.
Gum Health
Natural teeth and dental implants work similarly, and they are both supported by the gums. If the gums are weak, eroded, or if the patient has periodontal disease, then the implant may not hold the way it should long-term. Implants are still an option with poor gum health, but additional treatment is likely necessary.
Bone Density
Dental implants replace the teeth while also preserving the natural bone. However, the jaw needs the proper amount of bone dentistry to support the dental implant. The jawbone is also essential for a firm hold of the implant, abutment, and artificial tooth. After tooth loss occurs, the bone inside the jaw begins to lose its density. Over time, this can result in the need for a bone grafting procedure to rebuild the strength and density of the jawbone. Once the jawbone is strong enough, we will begin the process.
General Health
The implant process also involves a minor surgical procedure to place the dental implant inside the jawbone. As is the case with any surgery, the patient should be willing and able to go through the process. This procedure is slightly more invasive than other replacement solutions.
“The dentist will consider the gum health, bone density, and overall health of the patient during the first visit.”
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Missing or Crowded Teeth
Missing or crowded teeth can also prevent a person from being a dental implant candidate. Tooth loss can be a result of infection, trauma, or accident. Sometimes, infection sets in if patients fail to adopt good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing, mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for checkups and cleaning.
Additionally, people with crowded teeth may need orthodontic treatment or tooth extraction before receiving a dental implant. These treatments can help create enough space in a patient's mouth to allow for dental implant placement. Anyone interested in getting dental implants needs to be ready to take their oral health seriously. Poor oral hygiene may cause premature failure of the implants. Usually, the dentist will provide instructions on how to take care of the new teeth properly.
“Additionally, people with crowded teeth may need orthodontic treatment or tooth extraction before receiving a dental implant.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Q. Why are dental implants a great restorative option for most people?
Q. How do dentists determine whether a patient is a candidate for dental implants?
Q. Do missing or crowded teeth affect dental implant candidacy?
Q. What other common issues can prevent a person from being a dental implant candidate?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during the implant placement surgery?
Q. What happens after the procedure?
Q. When is bone grafting necessary?
Q. What does the implant recovery process look like?
Other Common Inhibitors to Dental Implants
Teeth Grinding or Clenching
People who grind or clench their teeth may need to take extra precautions to protect their dental implants. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be the result of anxiety, sleep, stress, and hyperactivity. Bruxism places undue stress on the teeth and causes premature implant failure. Patients who grind their teeth need to take necessary precautions before getting dental implants, including the use of a mouthguard to protect the teeth from the effects of bruxism.
Patience for the Procedure
Another factor that may determine if dental implants are right for you is patience. Dental implant restoration may take as long as six months because of the osseointegration process. The dentist will only place the final restoration on the dental implants after the bone heals fully. Preliminary procedures such as bone graft may add to the timeline. Fabricating the final restoration may also take weeks. Anyone considering dental implants needs to prepare for the commitment.
“People who grind or clench their teeth may need to take extra precautions to protect their dental implants.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if I have crooked or crowded teeth but need dental implants?
A. Crowded or crooked teeth can prevent a person from receiving dental implants successfully. Fortunately, patients can receive dental treatments such as tooth extraction to create space to place the implants. In addition, patients with crooked teeth may need teeth straightening treatment to align their teeth.
Q. Is there an age limit to getting dental implants?
A. Dental implants are suitable for adults with permanent teeth. Although older patients can get implants, they may not have the required bone density to support an implant, especially if they have worn dentures for long. In such cases, a mini dental implant may be the more appropriate option since the metal post is shorter and needs less bone structure.
Q. Can I still receive dental implants if I wear dentures?
A. The dentist may be able to support your dentures with dental implants. Implant-supported restorations are usually stronger and fitting than regular dentures. It will also prevent further jawbone resorption, which is common with denture wearers.
Q. How long does it take to receive dental implants?
A. The number of implants determines the duration of treatment. It may take about an hour to complete the placement. There is a waiting period during which the bone heals. Once osseointegration is complete, the dentist will complete the final restoration in no time.
Q. Are there any risks associated with dental implant placement?
A. Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated. Issues are rare, and are usually minor and easily treatable should they occur. Such risks include infection, injury or damage to the surrounding oral structures, sinus issues, and nerve damage.
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Dental Implant Terminology
Call Us Today
We are here to help patients make the right decision about treatment and determine if they are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants treatment, then call us at 253-336-0023. We can schedule a time for you to come in for a visit. We can determine what your oral health needs for a healthy and bright smile.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
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