For many people dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth, but they do require surgery and may not be the best tooth replacement option for you. In today's blog our Surrey dentists explain who makes a good candidate for dental implants.
Dental Implants
At Guildford Heights Dental Centre in Surrey, our dentists offer dental implants to replace missing teeth and give patients a great looking smile. Dental implants offer patients a permanent solution to their missing teeth, and have number of benefits over other tooth replacement options. That said, implants are surgically placed in the jaw and that can mean that they are not the best tooth replacement solution for everyone.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
A good candidate for dental implants must have healthy gums and a strong, healthy jaw bone. For patients with oral health problems such as gingivitis, or those who have experienced bone deterioration due to a tooth abscess, dental implants may not be the best tooth replacement option.
Why do I need a bone graft?
If you would like to get dental implants but have suffered significant bone loss, a bone graft may be performed to help strengthen your jaw. Bone grafts help to make the jawbone strong enough to support implants, however; it takes a number of weeks to heal following a bone graft and the dental implants cannot be placed until your jaw is completely healed.
How is a bone graft done?
When performing a bone graft, your 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 in the area where the dental implant will go. Bone grafting helps to strengthen the jaw and form a stable base to hold your dental implants.
Are there other tooth replacement options?
If you have experienced significant bone loss or deterioration and would like to replace your missing teeth without undergoing a bone graft, other tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge or dentures may be a better option for you.
Replacing missing teeth is important for keeping your mouth healthy. Speak to your dentist if you are interested in learning more about suitable tooth replacement options for you. Your dentist will be able to recommend the most appropriate tooth replacement option for your smile.