Dental implants are amazing prosthetic devices that can replace lost teeth with gorgeous restorations that look and feel just like the real thing. While implants can deliver a wide range of incredible benefits that traditional dentures and bridges cannot, a person will need to meet certain qualifications before they can receive them. Here’s a quick look at how dental implants work as well as what you will need to qualify for the treatment.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are placed through a specialized multistep process that spans several months. The four principal steps include:
- Consultation: You meet with your dentist for an oral exam. They will evaluate your oral health and discuss your needs and preferences to determine the best way to replace your teeth. Once you are approved for dental implants, you will be scheduled for surgery.
- Surgery: Dental implants are placed in the jawbone through a minor surgical procedure rendered painless with an appropriate anesthetic. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth healing process afterward.
- Osseointegration: Dental implants are made from titanium, a metal with the remarkable ability to fuse with living bone structure. You will need a few months after surgery for your new implants to bond with your jawbone. When this is completed, you’ll undergo another minor surgical procedure that places abutment pieces on top of your implants.
- Restoration: A few weeks after receiving abutments, your dentist will attach a customized restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture to your implants. You’ll be ready to begin using your newly restored smile that day.
What Do I Need to Qualify for Dental Implant Surgery?
Dental implant candidates will need to meet the following qualifications:
- Fair overall health: You will need to be healthy enough to safely receive minor surgery. Conditions like pregnancy, diabetes, hemophilia, and cancer can complicate the process, so be sure to be thorough when discussing your medical history during your consultation so your treatment can be planned accordingly.
- Good oral health: You’ll need to be free from oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease before receiving implants. Luckily, dentists can often address these issues with restorative work so patients can receive implants later.
- Strong jawbones: Your jaws will need to be strong enough to support dental implants. If your jawbones are too thin, your dentist may be able to refer you to a specialist for bone grafts so you can receive implants later.
Tooth loss can lead to a host of oral and overall health problems like dental drift and indigestion. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to restore your smile.
About the Practice
Distinctive Dentistry offers the best oral healthcare in Dallas. Led by Drs. Bobby Shirley, Clay Cannon, and Jack Bickford, the staff treats each patient with courtesy and respect while maintaining a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. To schedule your consultation for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (770) 445-6606.
