If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be interested in tooth replacement with dental implants in Houston. Dental implants are tiny titanium cylinders placed beneath the gum line in the space left by a missing tooth. After implantation, dental implants act as a prosthetic root for the tooth replacement — a crown, bridge, or denture — that is connected to the implant with a special device. Unlike non-implant supported options in tooth replacement, dental implants do not move. And when cared for properly, they can be expected to last the wearer’s lifetime.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Are you a good candidate for dental implants? Most people are — candidates for the replacement option include those who have:
- Healthy gums, free from periodontal (gum) disease
- A strong jawbone
- Excellent dental hygiene
People who have dealt with their missing teeth for a long time before seeking replacement may have experienced too much bone loss. Without sufficient bone structure, the dental implants struggle to anchor, resulting in their ultimate failure.
Bone Augmentation for Dental Implants
Patients who have lost too much bone structure or who have a weak, thin, or soft jawbone can undergo certain bone augmentation procedures — like bone grafting or a sinus lift — to become eligible for dental implants.
- Bone grafting: A bone graft takes bone tissue from elsewhere in the body, usually from the face, the shin, or the hip of the patient, to create more space for the dental implant.
- Sinus lift: A sinus lift adds structure to either side of the nose to make room for dental implants in the back of the upper jaw (for molars or premolars).
Determining Your Eligibility for Dental Implants
The only way to know for sure whether you’re a candidate for dental implants is to schedule an appointment with your general dentist or periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the placement of dental implants.
Certain lifestyle factors or health conditions may preclude a person’s eligibility for dental implants. These include:
- Age: Children should not receive dental implants until their jawbones have stopped forming
- Tobacco use: Smoking and other forms of tobacco use weaken oral structures, prevent proper healing, and result in dental implant failure
- Health conditions: People with diseases affecting the immune system, like uncontrolled diabetes, hemophilia, and advanced stages of cancer have difficulty healing after implant surgery
- Teeth grinders: People who severely grind teeth can damage their dental implants and lead to their failure
Find Out More About Houston Dental Implants Today
If you’d like to discuss your eligibility for dental implants, please contact Piney Point today.