Missing teeth can affect your confidence, oral health, and diet. This is why it’s important you schedule an appointment with one of our dental implant dentists in Holland, MI, as soon as you lose a tooth. Our dentists will be able to help you explore your tooth replacement options, including dental implants. That way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision for your smile.
Here’s what you need to know about being a candidate for dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root made of titanium that we place in your jaw to later support a crown. Unlike dentures, dental implants are stable and often last for decades. This means that you’ll be able to eat, drink, smile, and talk without your dental implants moving. Instead, they’ll stay rooted in your jaw.
Candidates for Dental Implants
The ideal candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker and has healthy gums. They’ll also need enough bone density in their jaw to support the dental implants. But don’t feel like you have to be the “perfect candidate” to request an appointment.
Here’s what one of our patients has to say about their dental implant experience.
“I’ve had a lot of compliments because I’m very clear when I sell, which is very, very important and that is the best investment I’ve ever made.”
No matter your circumstances, you can trust our dental implant dentists to find the right solution for your smile.
Healthy Gums
The health of your teeth and gums affects the . For this reason, you may not be an ideal candidate if you have advanced periodontitis. Teeth are more likely to fall out when they’re no longer supported by gums.
Enough Bone Density in the Jaw to Support Implants
You’ll need to have enough bone density in your jaw so the dentist can place the implant. If you don’t have enough bone density, our dentists may recommend you get a bone graft. That way, your dental implants have enough support to anchor to the jawbone.
Non-Smoker
Do you smoke or otherwise use tobacco products? If so, you’re not the best candidate for the dental implant procedure. It’s important to understand that there’s a connection between your oral health and the rest of your body.
When you smoke, you increase the risk of the tooth implant not fusing to your jawbone. People who smoke may also take a longer time to heal after .
Good Oral Hygiene
The better you take care of your smile, the longer your tooth implants are likely to last. To help your dental implants last for years, you’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily.
You’ll also need to see one of our dentists at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral examination. They’ll check the condition of your dental implants, so they last for years to come.
With proper care, a dental implant can last up to 30 years or even a lifetime. This means that you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene to keep your dental implants in good shape. If you suspect any issues with your dental implants, call our office as soon as possible.
Before & After Dental Photos | Dental Implants
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
Our , are accepting new patients. Ready to schedule an appointment? Please call the Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center at (616) 399-3946. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
