Who Are Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
When patients meet with Dr. Allan Libunao and Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins at their practice serving Bolingbrook, they can expect exceptional care, particularly when it comes to implant dentistry and their advanced oral surgery needs.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone and gum tissue. Over the course of a few months after the initial oral surgery, a process known as osseointegration will take place. This is the fusing of the dental implant with the organic structures of your mouth. Once this has taken place, the dental implants will be able to support restorations such as dentures, bridges, or individual dental crowns.
General Candidacy for Dental Implants
Good candidates for dental implants are people who are missing a few teeth who are in good health overall. They should not suffer from any kinds of systemic conditions that would make surgery of any sort a potential health risk.
Sufficient Jawbone and Gum Tissue Is a Must
It is crucial that patients who are considering implant dentistry have ample jawbone and gum density in the area of the tooth gap. This will allow the dental implants to be placed properly without potential complications with regard to the strength and stability of supported dental appliances. Proper osseointegration is likely to occur when there is enough bone and gum tissue in place.
One drawback to consider is that bone loss and gum recession tend to occur after the loss of a tooth, particularly if it has been some time since a patient has lost a tooth. There is a potential fix for this matter, however.
Bone Grafting and Gum Augmentation to Enhance Tissue Density
If you are lacking enough bone and gum tissue, it is possible to undergo bone grafting surgery or gum augmentation surgery. These procedures use donor tissues or specially crafted grafting materials in order to build up the tissue density.
Keep in mind that it does take a few months to heal from these surgeries, which needs to occur before the implant dentistry process can begin.
Realistic Expectations About Oral Surgery and Healing
It's important that patients who undergo implant dentistry treatment have realistic expectations about the nature of the procedure and the healing process. It does take time for full healing to take place, and it's important that patients follow all instructions to the letter. Remember that this is all part of a process, and that in the long run, this process will be worth it.
Alternatives to Dental Implants for Non-Candidates
If a patient is a poor candidate for dental implants, the use of removable dental appliances tends to be the most ideal treatment option to consider. During the consultation process, you will be able to learn more about all of your options for care in greater detail so that you can make a smart and well-informed choice about all of your treatment options.
Contact Suburban Oral Surgery and Implant Center
For more information about dental implants and how they can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile, it's important that you contact our implant dentistry and oral surgery center today. Dr. Allan Libunao and Dr. Jeffrey Hawkins look forward to your visit and helping you achieve all of your dental health goals.