Dental implants are an excellent option to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental implant is a small post that fastens to your jawbone and supports an artificial tooth. If you’ve heard of dental implants, you may be wondering, “Is a dental implant worth it?” or “Are they safe?” Here is some information about implants and how to know if they’re right for you.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants appear, feel and function like your natural teeth. They have many benefits, including:
· Giving you full chewing power
· Improving speech
· Preventing bone loss in the jawbone
· Keeping adjacent teeth stable
· Preventing gum disease
Finally, dental implants can last your entire life with little maintenance.
How to determine if dental implants are right for you
Dental implants aren’t suitable for everyone. The process involves several surgical procedures, so you'll need a thorough assessment to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Your evaluation involves a dental exam, which includes making X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jaw.
A dental specialist will look for the following to determine whether you’re a candidate for dental implants:
· Bone density. Your jawbone must be strong enough to hold the implant in place. Chewing places enormous pressure on your jawbone, and if it’s thin or weak, the surgery may fail. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support the implant, you can get a procedure called bone grafting to fortify your bone. This can add many months to the process.
· Healthy gums. Gum disease comes with an increased risk of infection, so candidates need healthy gum tissue for dental implant surgery. You may need to treat and eliminate your gum disease before the procedure begins.
· Good overall health. Dental implant surgery requires anesthesia, so you’ll need to show that you’re in good health. Your surgeon will ask for your medical history to see what types of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements you’re taking.
Based on your evaluation, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan, including what to do before and after your full dental implants are fitted.
Dental implant risks
Dental implant surgery is a lengthy process involving several medical specialists and numerous surgeries. You may not be able to get dental implants if you have:
· Diabetes
· Cardiac problems
· Unhealthy gums
· Significant bone loss
· Previous radiation therapy for your head or neck
Additionally, you may be ineligible for dental implants if you’re a smoker.
Dental implants in London and the surrounding area
At Cosmo Dental Centre, we have years of experience constructing and maintaining dental implants. Our implants look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. Our experienced team can provide a full range of dental care services, from hygiene to cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today to make your appointment.
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