From the way you chew your food to the way you present yourself, a missing tooth can have a major impact on your daily life. Fortunately, dental implants offer a permanent solution, and they look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth.
If a gap in your smile is getting you down, turn to the experts at LA Dental Town. Our providers specialize in restorative dentistry, helping patients in and around East Los Angeles, California, achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Here’s a brief guide to determining whether you’re a candidate for a dental implant.
Unlike dentures, which fit on top of your gums, a dental implant permanently replaces the entire structure of a missing tooth. It consists of a titanium post or screw that anchors the restoration in place in your jawbone and a custom porcelain crown, the visible portion of your new tooth, on top.
Aside from supporting the crown, the implant stimulates your jawbone when you chew or bite down, just as a tooth’s natural root does. This helps prevent the bone loss that occurs after a tooth is pulled, preserving your facial contours and the surrounding teeth.
In the United States, dentists place more than 3 million dental implants annually.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, you may be a candidate for dental implants. This type of restoration is suitable for adults of all ages, including seniors, provided the jawbone is fully developed (usually between ages 18 and 21).
While there’s no upper age limit, we do consider a few specific factors to ensure the treatment is successful.
Periodontal (gum) disease causes chronic inflammation that can interfere with the healing process. An active infection prevents the implant from properly integrating with the tissue, increasing the risk of instability or failure.
The good news is that gum disease is highly treatable, especially when caught in its early stages. Once we clear the bacteria and your mouth heals, we can go ahead with your restoration procedure.
For an implant to be successful, there must be enough bone present to support the titanium post. If the jawbone is too thin or soft due to bone loss from periodontitis or long term tooth loss, the implant may fail or become unstable over time.
But even if you lack the necessary bone density now, you may still be a candidate for treatment. In most cases, we can rebuild the area with a bone graft, creating the sturdy foundation needed to anchor the implant.
Dental implants require the same level of dedicated care as your natural teeth: twice daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings at our office. Though the porcelain crown is immune to decay, keeping the surrounding gum and bone tissue healthy is essential.
Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption may also interfere with the success of your procedure. We recommend quitting smoking and limiting alcohol prior to starting the dental implant process.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, see our team for a consultation. We take the time to evaluate your needs and discuss your options so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.
Ready to chew, speak, and feel like yourself again after tooth loss? Schedule a consultation at LA Dental Town, online or by phone, and let us help you build a healthier, more beautiful smile.
