When Implants May Not be an Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth, but they are not for everybody. Tooth loss is common among all age groups, whether due to injury or disease. Implants are considered an extremely effective option for replacing teeth.

The procedure itself is relatively straightforward. Your dentist will embed a small metal rod into your jawbone. The rod is a replacement for the tooth root and acts as an anchor for a fake crown. It is a sturdy replacement, and often considered a permanent, life-long fix. However, as with any procedure, it is only for those medically fit and able to undergo the surgery.

The time before the dental implant procedure

Dental implants require a lot of time and planning before the procedure (and, as discussed below, a big-time commitment after). First, you must be willing to spend time with your dentist to plan for the procedure. This may require multiple visits, including general evaluations, ongoing discussions with the dentist, and imaging with radiographic technology like CT scans. Your dentist wants to ensure the correct placement of the implant.

Bone density

You will have to be evaluated to determine if you are a qualified candidate. Implants may not be an option for replacing missing teeth for many reasons. First, you may not have an adequate bone density in the jaw. If the anticipated implant site is not dense enough, the implant will not take, and the procedure will fail.

If you do not have sufficient bone density, you are not a candidate for the implant procedure. However, your dentist may recommend other procedures which can help stimulate bone growth. This may help you achieve the bone density needed for a successful implant procedure.

Medically clear

Provided you are otherwise a suitable candidate for the procedure, you will also need medical clearance before proceeding. For example, if you have unchecked gum disease or decay, the infection may be present. Your mouth must be infection-free for the procedure.

After a successful implant placement procedure, you must allow three to six months for healing and “osseointegration,” where your jawbone fuses with the implant. This is a slow process and requires extreme vigilance on the part of the patient. First, you will have to limit your diet to certain soft foods, as hard foods may damage the implant in the early days or weeks.

Also, you will have to exercise excellent dental hygiene throughout this period, ensuring that infection does not develop. If the infection does develop anywhere in the mouth, it could spread to the operative site, interrupting bone growth, and causing damage to your teeth and gums.

The dental implant procedure is a time-intensive option for replacing missing teeth. However, due to the implant procedure’s high success rates and effectiveness, it is worth considering if you are the right candidate. Speak with your dentist about implant procedures and the pre-and post-implant periods.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options For Replacing Missing Teeth in Los Angeles, CA

Call Us Today

Request an appointment or call Allure Dentistry at 310-683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

Recent Posts

Why Choose A Bridge Option To Replace Missing Teeth

The bridge is a dental repair that is cemented in place and is used to replace missing teeth. It is done by attaching an artificial tooth definitively to an adjacent tooth, be it natural or artificial. In most cases, crowns are artificial teeth paired with bridges. They are usually made from porcelain or blended resin.…

3 Options For Replacing Missing Teeth To Avoid Shifting Teeth

Are you looking into your options for replacing missing teeth? Fortunately, there are various options for replacing missing teeth. This article covers these options, including their benefits and drawbacks. Replacing missing teeth after a tooth extraction is important for bone health since tooth loss results in a loss of bone density. Also, failing to get…

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth Due To Gum Disease

One of the most common reasons for tooth loss is gum disease. Read on to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth resulting from gum disease. Although it may be devastating if left untreated, gum disease is treatable early and should never be overlooked.Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and it is…

Allure Dentistry

Share
Published by
Allure Dentistry

Recent Posts

How Often Do I Need Routine Dental Care

Routine dental care is one of the most important factors contributing to good dental health.…

4 days ago

Safety of Teeth Whitening

Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase…

4 days ago

Tips for Daily Oral Hygiene Before Your Next Routine Dental Care Visit

Regular visits to the dentist for routine dental care are an important part of maintaining…

2 weeks ago

Tips for Making the Most of Your Routine Dental Care Appointments

Routine dental care is vital for anyone striving to achieve optimum health. Dentists recommend two…

3 weeks ago

Commit to a Healthier Mouth and Body With Routine Dental Care

When it comes to health and wellness, prevention plays an integral role. In addition to…

4 weeks ago

What Is Considered Routine Dental Care

A crucial component of being healthy is routine dental care. When oral health is ignored,…

1 month ago