For many of our patients dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth. That said, dental implants certainly aren't the best tooth replacement option for everyone. So how do you know if dental implants are right for you? Our Surrey dentists explain a little about who makes a good candidate for dental implants.
What are dental implants?
At Guildford Dental in Surrey, we offer dental implants as a way to replace missing teeth and give our patients a great looking smile. Dental implants provide patients with a permanent solution to their missing teeth, and have number of advantages over other tooth replacement alternatives.
That said, dental implants need to be surgically placed into the jawbone, and that can be problematic for some people. So how do you know if you're a good candidate for dental implants?
Who makes a good candidate for dental implants?
To be a good candidate for dental implants you will need to have healthy gums and a strong, healthy jaw. If you have oral health problems such as gingivitis, or have experienced bone deterioration due to missing teeth or tooth abscess, dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement option for you.
Why does my dentist say I need a bone graft to get dental implants?
If you have experienced bone deterioration where the implant will be placed, you will likely require a bone graft to help strengthen your jaw before the dental implant process can begin. A bone graft helps to make your jaw strong enough to support the implants, however they do require a number of weeks to heal. Your dental implants cannot be placed until your jaw is completely healed after having a bone graft.
How is a bone graft done?
When performing a bone graft your dental surgeon will take a section of bone from a different part of your body, (or use a special bone grafting material), and graft it onto your jawbone where the dental implants will be placed. Having a bone graft done helps to strengthen the jaw and form a stable base to hold your dental implants firmly in place.
Should I consider other tooth replacement options?
If you have significant bone loss and would like to replace your missing teeth without the need for a bone graft, speak to your dentist about other tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge or dentures which can help to restore the look and function of your smile without the need for a bone graft or implant surgery.
To keep your mouth healthy it's important to replace missing teeth. Speak to your dentist if you are interested in finding out more about tooth replacement options that may be right for you. Your dentist can recommend the most appropriate tooth replacement option for restoring your smile.