Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Winston-Salem, NC
 If you have heard about how simple, durable, and cost-effective dental implants can be, you are probably wondering if you are a good candidate for this incredible technology. There are many benefits to getting dental implants. However, before making a decision, Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry can help you decide if dental implants are best for your unique oral healthcare needs.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are one of the millions of Americans who need a replacement tooth, or multiple replacement teeth, then there is a good chance that you qualify to receive dental implants. Dental implants are a powerful option for replacing just one tooth that is diseased, damaged, decayed or missing, or even for replacing all of the teeth on the top or bottom of your jaw. There are a number of different types of dental implants, and you can typically have them placed within a single visit so you can leave our office that same day with a brand new smile.
To qualify for dental implants, your gums need to be healthy and free of disease, as diseased gums can cause complications with the placement of the implants. Dental implants are not optimal for younger patients whose jawbone is still growing. If your jawbone is too soft or thin, then it may not be able to support the implants. Luckily, a bone graft procedure can help add enough bone mass to support implants.
Who May Not be an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants
If you are suffering from one of a number of aforementioned dental disorders, like gum disease and insufficient bone density, then unfortunately you may not be an ideal fit for receiving dental implants. Dental implants also require the patient to commit time to the treatment process, meaning that it may not be the best fit for patients with particularly hectic and unpredictable schedules. While some implants can be placed in as little as a day, including extractions of unhealthy teeth, you will have to return to our office for multiple check-ins as we monitor how your implants are faring. The healing process can take several months, and if you require bone grafts beforehand this will be even longer.
What are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
If you are in need of new teeth, but do not think you qualify for dental implants, do not worry! You still have alternatives. Sometimes we can save a tooth with gum disease treatment. If the tooth cannot be saved, more conventional options like dentures and bridges are still a popular choice among many patients. While they do not offer as many advantages as implants do, they can still help restore a degree of functionality, allowing a patient to resume everyday activities.
Discover if You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
Do you think you might be a good candidate for dental implants? Are you curious about one of our alternatives? Then give Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry a call at (336) 283-2593 today to set up a consultation. |
