Dental implants have become a very popular option for tooth-replacement in recent years. Not only do they look and function just like natural teeth, but they restore blood flow and promote bone growth. They’re the only restorative method that does this and dental implants in Vero Beach are no exception. However, to make sure your treatment is successful as possible, your dentist needs to confirm your eligibility.
“What does this mean?” You may ask. Basically, your dentist needs to confirm that your body is healthy enough and that you’re committed enough to undergo the long process of receiving and keeping your dental implants healthy. Here’s what you should expect.
The Best Candidates for Dental Implants
Luckily, most people are eligible for dental implants. For healthy patients, dental implants have a 95 percent success rate, even over several decades. Having healthy gums, enough bone to anchor a dental implant properly, and a strong commitment to taking proper care of the implanted teeth and surrounding gums makes you an ideal candidate. Proper care means brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist every six months.
If you’re afraid you don’t have enough bone to support dental implants, don’t give up hope just yet. There are treatments that can help you grow more bone, such as a bone graft. This involves taking either bone from other parts of your body or from a viable source and grafting it onto your jawbone, allowing more bone to take shape.
Conditions Unfavorable for Dental Implants
Dental implants in Vero Beach are not recommended for younger patients because they’re jawbone is still growing. They’re also not ideal for pregnant women as their immune system is weakened during pregnancy, leaving them more prone to infection which puts the implant at risk. If you use tobacco often, your mouth is less capable of healing, so consider quitting if you’d like to get dental implants.
Furthermore, patients with specific chronic conditions may not be eligible for dental implants from their dentist in Vero Beach. These conditions include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Hemophilia
- Connective-tissue diseases
- Or significant immune deficiencies
What to Expect During Your Consultation
During your consultation, the dentist will go over your medical history and your current habits to make sure you can receive dental implants successfully. If they determine you can, you’ll have a whole team at your disposable to walk you through the process.
This team will consist of:
- An oral surgeon, periodontist, or general dentist trained in implant dentistry
- A restorative dentist who creates the crowns or bridges needed for placement
During your evaluation, you’ll receive x-rays and possibly a CT scan, which provides information on the amount of bone in your jaw, its shape, and the location of your nerves and sinuses. Finally, your Vero Beach dentist will discuss the best options for your dental implants.
Still not sure if you’re eligible? Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to learn more!
About the Author
Dr. Adam Jones earned his dental degree from the University of Florida, followed by his masters and certificate specializing in prosthodontics. He also developed clinical skills in esthetic and implant dentistry during his residency. To learn more about dental implants in Vero Beach and his practice, contact him at (772) 234-5353 or visit his website.