Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Do you have one or more missing teeth? If so, it’s worth it to schedule an appointment with our dental implant dentist in Muskegon, MI. Dr. Bruce G. Jones will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. He’ll also help you explore your other tooth replacement options so you can make the best decision for your smile.
In the meantime, here are the main characteristics of someone who may be a candidate for dental implants.
One or More Missing Teeth
A dental implant is a titanium-alloy rod that replaces the function of a natural tooth root. Once the implant has fused to the jawbone during a months-long process called osseointegration, we’re able to place a permanent abutment and crown over top. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown give you the full function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Unlike dentures that rest on top of the gums, are embedded in the jawbone. This gives you the ultimate stability while you eat, talk, smile, and laugh. Dental implants can also be used to replace one or multiple teeth.
If you’ve experienced tooth loss, you may be a candidate for dental implants. However, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with our Muskegon dentist to discuss all of your tooth replacement options.
Sufficient Bone Density
There needs to be enough bone density in the jaw to anchor the dental implant in place. For this reason, we’ll take X-rays during your appointment to evaluate the quality of bone around the empty socket.
As we age, it’s not uncommon for the jaw to start to shrink and lose bone density. This can especially be the case once a patient loses a tooth. When you lose a tooth, the body will start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. While this is incredibly resourceful, it can also cause complications for patients interested in dental implant treatment.
If you don’t have sufficient bone density, Dr. Jones may recommend a bone graft to supplement the tissue you already have. If you’re not a candidate for a bone graft, Dr. Jones will suggest other treatment options to restore your smile.
Non-Smoker
Smoking inhibits the body’s natural healing ability after dental implant surgery. For this reason, you may not be a candidate for dental implants if you smoke or chew tobacco. During your appointment, we’ll take a detailed medical history to evaluate your risk factors and determine whether you’d be a suitable candidate for the dental implant procedure.
Strong, Healthy Gums
You may not be a candidate for a if you have periodontitis. Unlike gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontitis is a serious and irreversible gum infection. While we can mitigate the symptoms of periodontitis through scaling and root planing, it’s not curable. If left untreated, severe gum disease can cause bone loss in the jaw which can affect your candidacy for dental implants.
That being said, each patient is different. Even if you have gum disease, you may still be a candidate for dental implants. You won’t know for sure until you have a consultation with our dental implant dentist in Muskegon, Michigan.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Jones
Dr. Bruce G. Jones is an experienced dental implant dentist in Muskegon, MI. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call Bruce G. Jones Dentistry at (231) 780-5158. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
