Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option in dentistry. They provide a natural looking, functional replacement for teeth that are missing or beyond repair. Dental implants can also provide stable support for other prosthetics, such as bridges and dentures.

Due to their popularity and many benefits, dental implants are requested by the majority of patients to replace teeth. But not everyone is a candidate for dental implants in their current state of health. You may be wondering, am I a candidate for dental implants? The only way to know for sure is to have a professional evaluation. Here’s what dentists look for to determine dental implant eligibility. 

 

How Do Dental Implants Work?

To understand what it takes to be a candidate for dental implants, it helps to understand how dental implants work. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw where a tooth is missing or has been extracted. Implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once the fusion is complete it forms a solid bond that can last a lifetime. The prosthetic portion of the implant is attached later on. 

One dental implant can replace a single tooth with a crown. Two dental implants can support a bridge. Multiple dental implants (4-6) can support a full denture. 

 

What Makes Someone a Candidate for Dental Implants?

To be a candidate for dental implants, you must meet the following criteria: 

• You have one or more teeth that are missing or beyond repair. 
• The bone in your jaw is wide enough at the site where the dental implant will be placed for adequate space.
• The bone in your jaw is strong enough at the site to support a dental implant. 
• Your gums are healthy with no signs of gum disease. 
• Your overall health is good. 
• You don’t suffer from osteoporosis or other diseases that weaken the bone. 

 

How Can I Become a Candidate for Dental Implants? 

If you are not currently a candidate for dental implants due to any one or a combination of the above criteria, you may still have options. There are ways to treat and correct the issues that are preventing you from being ready for dental implants at this time. 

• Bone grafting. If your tooth or teeth have been missing for a while, the portion of the jaw that once supported it will have weakened and may have even resorbed (dissolved). A bone graft procedure can help rebuild the bone so that it can support a dental implant. The procedure involves placing a bone fragment under the gums on top of the existing bone. This not only thickens the bone, but encourages regeneration of the natural bone tissue. 

• Sinus lift. A sinus lift is similar to a bone graft, but it is done in the upper jaw to make room for a dental implant to be placed. If the bone in the upper jaw is too thin, a dental implant could go through the bone and puncture the sinus cavity. A sinus lift places bone material over the existing bone to thicken it and lift the sinus cavity up.

• Periodontal treatment. If gum disease is keeping you from being eligible for a dental implant, periodontal treatment can remove the source of the infection and allow the gum tissue to heal. If there is any damage to the jaw bone from severe gum disease, a bone graft can also help in this situation. 

• Treatment for other health conditions. If there are other health conditions that are preventing you from getting dental implants, seek treatment from your primary care physician. 

 

Where Can I Get a Dental Implant Evaluation?

If you’re interested in dental implants, Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry can perform a brief evaluation to determine whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants. We also provide preparatory treatments and procedures to help you reach the point where dental implants are an option for you. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to receive the best tooth replacement option available. 

Call 631-351-3444 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Having your teeth professionally cleaned is important to your oral health as well as your overall health and wellness. Dental cleanings remove plaque from your teeth that accumulates over time. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day as dentists recommend, there will still be places where plaque forms. Letting plaque remain on your teeth over time has negative effects on your oral health. 

 

How often should you have your teeth professionally cleaned for optimal dental and oral health? Here’s what dentists and dental specialists recommend. 

 

Dental Cleaning Frequency for the Average Patient

It is recommended that the average patient have their teeth cleaned and examined every 6 months. If you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, dental cleanings twice a year should be sufficient to remove plaque and keep your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth healthy. It should reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. 

 

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, called periodontal disease in dentistry, is an infection of the gum tissue. It is caused by plaque that develops on your teeth along and below the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film made up of food residue and bacteria that clings to the teeth and settles into tiny, microscopic places in your mouth. When it remains on your teeth for too long, the bacteria mature to a point where they are capable of irritating your gum tissue and causing an infection. 

 

Dental Cleaning Frequency for Patients Prone to Gum Disease

Patients who have advanced or recurring gum disease may need to have their teeth professionally cleaned more frequently. If you’ve had gum disease that is severe enough that you were referred to a periodontist, you may need more frequent cleanings. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in treatment of the support structures for the teeth, especially the gums. 

 

Once your gum disease has been treated, you may need periodic cleanings to keep it from returning, referred to as periodontal maintenance. A periodontal maintenance program includes scheduled dental cleanings at a specific frequency, such as monthly, every other month, or quarterly. You may require less frequent appointments as your gum tissue heals. 

 

What Are the Risks of Gum Disease?

Gum disease can start out mild, but it may develop into a serious condition. The early stages include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. More advanced gum disease can cause bad breath and could result in abscesses (sores) on your gums. If the symptoms are ignored and the condition goes untreated, it could cause the gum tissue and ligaments to pull away from the teeth and the jaw bone to deteriorate, resulting in loose teeth that may eventually fall out. 

 

Why is Periodontal Maintenance Important?

If your dentist or periodontist recommends periodontal maintenance, it is for good reason. As stated above, untreated gum disease can lead to poor oral health and even loss of teeth. But more frequent teeth cleanings can keep gum disease at bay. If you have diabetes you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease because of the increased amount of sugar in your saliva. Eating a diet that is high in sugar also increases your risk, making periodontal maintenance important. 

 

Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry Provides Periodontal Maintenance

Gum disease can be kept in check with a periodontal maintenance plan from Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry. We can customize a schedule to meet your individual needs, providing professional teeth cleaning and other periodontal services to restore and maintain your dental and oral health. 

Call 631-351-3444 or contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.