How Do I Know if Teeth Implants Are Right for Me?

People with badly decayed or missing teeth often fear getting dentures because of the stigma attached to them. The idea that dentures are for “old” people, or fears of them being loose and causing embarrassment in public or while eating, often lead people to continue living with bad teeth. Decayed teeth can lead to other health problems, and missing teeth affect the way you chew and digest food, so it is always best to have bad or missing teeth replaced. There is an alternative to dentures. Dental implants are a more permanent solution that can give you a terrific smile, restore your oral health, and give you all the benefits of strong and healthy teeth.

Implants are screws or metal posts that are anchored to the bone of the jaw or into the gums. The posts are topped with an artificial tooth. These teeth function as real teeth and do not need adhesives to keep them in place. Implants are permanent and cared for by brushing and flossing like real teeth.

If you are considering dental implants, or if you have dentures but would like a more permanent solution, there are a few things you should know before seeking implants. There are some people who cannot get implants because they do not have enough bone in their gum to support the posts. After teeth are pulled, the bone in your jaw begins to shrink, so sometimes long-time denture wearers have lost too much bone and are not candidates for implants. The first thing a dentist must do to determine if a patient is suitable for implants is a complete oral examination to check jaw bone and general oral health. If you have periodontal disease or other oral health problems, these will need to be addressed before implants can be considered.

There are some people who are not good candidates for implants, such as people who are undergoing chemotherapy. Smoking increases the chance that implants will fail or be rejected. Successful implants will bond to your bone and become permanent.