Accidents happen, and issues arise. What we do when they inevitably do pop up often makes all the difference.
Ask anyone who’s endured tooth loss, and you’ll hear about the paramount importance of properly caring for those vacated site(s). This helps ensure the alignment of surrounding teeth, robust jawbone health, and smile aesthetics.
At times like these, dental implants, the most effective and longest-lasting tooth replacement solution, can play a major role in restoring your smile and bite to their natural best. Unfortunately, not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants. Here’s a guide to help you determine whether implants are right for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts (or pegs) that are implanted into a patient’s jawbone following tooth loss. Implants are placed in the empty sockets in the mouth left by lost teeth. Implants are, well, implanted in a minor surgical procedure and then allowed to fuse permanently with the jawbone via osseointegration.
Once an implant is securely in place, it functions as a replacement tooth root and an excellent anchoring point for a permanent restoration like a dental crown. Thanks to their natural feel and function and truly incredible longevity, dental Implants are widely regarded as the top tooth replacement solution.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Implants are an excellent option for most patients who’ve lost one or more teeth. It’s worth noting, however, that they’re only appropriate for patients who meet certain criteria:
- A fully-formed jawbone — There’s no set age at which a person’s jawbone becomes fully developed, though this typically happens between ages 18 and 24.
- Oral health — A patient’s gums and jawbone must be generally healthy and strong enough to support an implant. In some cases, additional procedures, like bone grafting, can help bolster bone density to support implants.
- Overall health — Patients with certain medical conditions, like type-2 diabetes, aren’t suitable dental implant candidates. Beyond this, dental implant candidates should generally be in decent overall health.
Remember that each individual’s case is unique and that only a dentist or oral surgeon can definitively determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
Finding the Best Dentist for Dental Implants in San Jose
If you’re in the San Jose area and want to learn more about whether dental implants are an appropriate tooth replacement solution for you, contact your implant dentist, Dr. Jesse Rosete, and the excellent Alum Hills Dental team to schedule a consultation!