Be Thankful for Your Healthy Smile This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on all the things we're grateful for. While your oral health may not be the first thing that comes...
Just beginning to navigate the restorative dentistry waters? Then you’ve probably heard something about dental implants, and you’re likely intrigued by the prospect. Implants are pretty exciting – any dental work that becomes one with your natural bone is a huge aid in the restorative process – but they’re not quite right for every patient. This blog post will help you decide whether implants are something worth investigating, or whether another restorative route may be best for your smile.
Marrero Implant Dentist
This post offers basic information about different types of patients and their implant needs. It’s no substitute for a consultation with Dr. Aubrey Baudean. Only a one-on-one meeting with a dental professional will get you the personal answers you’re looking for, and allow you to set up a treatment plan. If you’re interested in implants, we’d love to meet with you and discuss whether they’re the right choice for your dental restoration.
Dental Implant Candidacy
Before you can receive implants, Dr. Baudean will need to determine whether you’re a candidate for implant surgery. Certain aspects of your health and physical well-being must be in a specific place in order for the procedure to be a success. We will evaluate your mouth and jaws with the aid of x-rays and 3D imaging to determine whether you’re a fit for implants. A few of these criteria include:
- Bone density – Dental implants connect with your natural bone, through a process called osseointegration. If there isn’t enough bone at the treatment site, the implant won’t be able to anchor properly in your jaw. After a tooth is lost, the bone at the area resorbs and loses density. If this is the case, a bone graft will add structure and allow implant placement to succeed.
- Oral health – Your oral health is paramount to implant surgery’s outcome. If you have cavities or periodontal disease, the present infection could cause complications post-surgery. We will fill your cavities and treat any gum disease present to prepare your mouth for restoration.
How Dental Restorations Benefit from Implants
When you get dental implants, you’re doing so to both protect your bone structure and create foundations for restorations. Once your implants have attached to your bone, they’re ready to support any dental restorations you choose. Dr. Baudean will recommend certain restorations based on your case and your preferences. Your dental implants could support
- One or more crowns – An implant-supported crown functions as an entire replacement tooth. It looks and feels no different from adjacent natural teeth, and is independently sound. This is an excellent way to replace a tooth without weakening those around the gap.
- A dental bridge – A typical bridge rests on natural teeth for support. Unfortunately, this can have the side effect of sapping their own strength, leading to more tooth loss. Enter dental implants, and the bridge is supported without the need for natural teeth.
- A partial – A partial denture replace a span of teeth. When attached to implants, it has no need for plastic or wire frameworks, and functions more harmoniously within your mouth.
- Dentures – Full sets of implants will provide dentures with free-standing foundations. They eliminate the need for denture adhesive or denture discomfort. Implant-supported dentures are far more comfortable and successful.
Ready to begin the dental implant process? We’re thrilled to help you along the path to a restored smile. If you have missing teeth and are ready to reclaim your smile, get in touch to set up an implant consultation. You’ll meet with Dr. Baudean and work together to decide on the next restorative step.
