An esthetic dentist specializes in restoring smiles for patients. One of the tools esthetic dentists may use to help you is a dental implant. A dental implant replaces a missing tooth or a tooth so damaged that the dentist cannot repair it. It is a small titanium metal post implanted in the jawbone. The jawbone bonds to the post, and the esthetic dentist places a cap on the top of the post. If you have a lot of questions about getting a dental implant procedure, here are a few things your esthetic dentist will consider when evaluating you.
Good oral health ensures a greater chance of success with dental implants. The patient needs to have enough jawbone for the esthetic dentist to place the titanium post. In some instances, the dentist can perform a bone graft. If the graft works, the dentist can then go ahead with placing the implant and the cap.
Patients should have a good oral hygiene routine. Proper brushing and flossing are key to maintaining healthy gums and preventing bacterial growth. Good oral hygiene and regular teeth cleanings can ward off periodontal disease. Unhealthy gums and teeth can prevent the implant from bonding properly with the jawbone. Periodontal disease can cause the jawbone to deteriorate.
Young people may have to wait. Simply having a missing tooth does not automatically qualify a patient for a dental implant. This procedure is not a good idea if the patient is young. Young bones are still growing, so the implant could shift to a different area. An esthetic dentist may decide to install a space maintainer in younger patients. A space maintainer will preserve the space until patients are old enough to be good candidates for dental implants.
Patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease may not be good candidates for a dental implant. Periodontal disease affects not only the gums but also the jawbone. It can weaken the bone and compromise its ability to bond to the implant. If patients do not practice good oral hygiene, the implant might not last due to the deterioration of the surrounding tissue.
Smoking can cause significant oral health problems. Esthetic dentists generally do not recommend dental implants for smokers. Smoking can lead to bone loss. Immune-compromised people may not be good candidates because placing the implant requires minor surgery. The esthetic dentist will want to review the patient’s full health history when determining if that person is likely to have success.
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Your esthetic dentist will determine if you can commit to a regular oral hygiene routine. This will ensure the dental implant procedure is a success. You should also follow up with your dentist for regular teeth cleanings. If there are any issues with the dental implant, you should contact the esthetic dentist. If properly cared for, dental implants can last for years.
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