You probably have memories of seeing your grandparents’ dentures soaking in a glass or sitting on the counter next to the bathroom sink. As a child, you probably thought they looked strange or even ghastly. Fortunately, dental technology has changed a lot over the years. If you have a tooth missing or several teeth missing, we often recommend dental implants as a solution. Dental implants are different from dentures in that they can be more durable. Once implanted, they stay in your mouth and can be the ideal solution for replacing a few missing teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many, many advantages to getting dental implants. First, they look totally natural and won’t detract from your smile or the general appearance of your teeth. On the contrary, they enhance it!
Second, dental implants work just like regular teeth, so that chewing and biting is easier and eating becomes enjoyable again. Finally, dental implants have the advantage over real teeth in that they don’t fracture or crack; they don’t get cavities or need things like root canals.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Perhaps at this point you’re wondering whether or not you’re a good candidate for dental implants. The best way to find out is to come in to Matus Family Dentistry and let us consult with you and determine a suitable course of action. But a few general guidelines to help you know whether you fit the bill include:
- You have healthy gums
- The bone density beneath the gum is ample
- You take good care of your teeth, brushing and flossing regularly
- You don’t have an untreated autoimmune disorder or diabetes
- You don’t smoke or would be willing to stop during the implant process
- You have patience—the entire process can take anywhere from 4 months up to a year
- You haven’t been treated with a bisphosphonate medication, which is common in cancer treatment.
We Can Help
If you meet the above qualifications, you could be a great candidate for dental implants. And, with a few of them, such as gum health, oral hygiene, and smoking, there are things you can do to improve or correct the issues that you may have. Come in to Matus Family Dentistry today and let’s have a discussion about the right direction for you.