Dental implants provide an ideal solution to a missing tooth or teeth for most people. Implants blend in seamlessly with surrounding teeth, while protecting the jawbone against deterioration. However, to undergo a dental implant procedure, you must meet certain criteria.
Not sure you qualify for dental implants? Contact Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO. Our team of experienced implant dentists, including a periodontist, are ready to guide you to excellent dental care and a gorgeous smile. Whether you qualify for implants or you have a different dental issue, we will help you find a solution.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are a type of dental prosthetic used to replace a missing tooth or secure a bridge or denture. During an implant procedure, the dentist will surgically insert a small metal post, the implant, into your jawbone. This post acts as an artificial tooth root for a new prosthetic tooth, or a few implants can secure a multi-tooth prosthetic.
What are the requirements for getting dental implants?
Not everyone can tolerate the dental implant procedure, and some health conditions make implants less likely to succeed. Patients must meet the following dental health criteria:
- Healthy Bone Density Level
- Appropriate Jaw Size
- Able to Undergo Minor Surgery
- Healthy Teeth and Gums
- Nondiabetic
- No History of Heart Disease
- No Tobacco Use
In the case of low bone density levels, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to improve jawbone strength. During a bone graft, the doctor will insert healthy bone onto the areas of your jawbone where implants will be installed. As the grafted tissue integrates with your existing bone, your jawbone will become strong and dense. At this point, we can revisit the potential for your implant procedure.
What happens during a dental implant procedure?
Dental implant placement and restoration is a procedure that falls under the category of minor surgery. From beginning to end, the process of dental implant placement and restoration can take three to twelve months, depending on how quickly your bone heals and whether you require prerequisite bone grafting.
Once you’re qualified and ready for implants, you’ll schedule the short, outpatient surgery with our office. The dentist will make you comfortable before beginning. During the surgery, a flap is made in gum tissue and the implant is inserted.
Over time, gums heal and bone integrates with the implant post. Next, you’ll visit us for abutment placement. Abutments go on top of implant posts to secure the crown, bridge, or denture. At this point, you may wear a temporary prosthetic until the final is ready.
Why should I choose a dental implant over another prosthetic?
Implants provide many benefits when compared to traditional bridges and dentures.
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Implants prevent bone loss.
To stay healthy, your jawbone needs the pressure of your teeth biting down. With each bite, tiny impulses are sent to the brain to signal the need for calcium and phosphorus in the bone. Once you lose a tooth, these impulses end, and your brain redirects nutrients to other bones.
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Implants stabilize neighboring teeth.
Neighboring teeth naturally shift toward the space left by your missing tooth to help with chewing and biting. These tooth movements can cause disruption in your bite (occlusion), which may lead to cosmetic issues as well as teeth grinding, tooth wear, TMJ disorder. Implants keep surrounding teeth in their proper place.
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Implants prevent facial sagging.
Without the natural support of your teeth, facial muscles will begin to sag. Over time, your face will appear older.
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Implants protect against tooth decay.
As teeth shift, they also become more difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to tooth decay. A strong dental restoration helps teeth stay straight and healthy.
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Implants provide a durable solution for missing teeth.
Unlike dentures, dental implants can last a lifetime. Whether you opt for a single implant or implant-retained dentures, expect to chew and speak with confidence! Denture wearers, in particular, love the reliability of implants. Dentures attached to dental implants do not slip, wobble, or move at all.
If you have more questions or would like to discuss dental implants with one of our Denver dentists, contact Metropolitan Dental Care today. We love answering questions and helping people reclaim strong and reliable oral function. Call us today at 303-534-2626 or request an appointment online.
