Considering Implant Dentistry? 4 Questions To Ask Your Dentist

After a dental injury or condition that has resulted in missing teeth, restoring your smile is important. Although having a complete smile is essential for your appearance, a full set of teeth will also help reduce the risk of dental complications, bone loss, and speech/eating issues. Of course, there are many options available if you want to restore your smile. Today, more and more people are opting for dental implants because of the many benefits they offer. If you are ready to restore your smile with implants, here are a few questions to ask your dentist beforehand.

Are Implants Successful?

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding if implant dentistry is right for you would be their success. Dentists cannot guarantee the effective nature of implants, but most believe they are the best method for restoring a smile.

As long as they are placed correctly and they fuse properly to the bone, implants can last a lifetime. Implants do not decay or warp, so there is less risk of complications, especially when compared to veneers, which can chip and crack, or dentures, which can bend and break.

Are Implants Difficult to Maintain?

No matter how you have lost your teeth, you are probably hoping you do not lose anymore. Therefore, it is important to protect your underlying oral health even after restoring your smile with implants. Fortunately, caring for your oral health, which includes your mouth, gums, natural teeth, and implants will not be too challenging.

One of the most surprising things to know is that brushing and flossing in between and around your implants is quite simple, so there is a reduced risk of food and bacteria building up. This improved oral hygiene decreases your risk of decay and gum disease.

In addition to brushing and flossing as normal, your dental implants should be examined and cleaned professionally just like your natural teeth.

Remember that your mouth, gums, and bone support the implants, so the right oral hygiene and professional care is important for your newly-restored smile.

Are You a Good Candidate?

There are many options available when you are ready to restore your smile, but every option may not be right for you. When considering implants, you need to ask your dentist if you meet the qualifications to be a good candidate.

Healthy teeth, gums, and bone are essential if you are considering implants. If you have severe decay or gum disease, your gum tissue and jaw bone will not be able to support the implants, reducing the implant's ability to fuse with the bone. Decay, gum disease, and a decreased bone mass density will cause your implants to fail.

Finally, you should be in good enough health to successfully recover from anesthesia, since placing the implants is a surgical procedure. It is wise to talk with both your doctor and dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for implant dentistry.

Is Surgery Really Necessary?

If you have been considering implants, you probably already know that the actual implant must be placed into the jaw via a surgical procedure. While invasive, the surgery is crucial for ensuring the implant is secured in place, allowing it to fuse with your jaw over time.

It is also important to note that a bone grafting surgery will be necessary if your jaw does not have a sufficient amount of bone mass to support the implants. Bone can be taken from another area of the body, or a synthetic material can be used. With both scenarios, surgery is required.

From a complete smile that is appealing and functional to a durability that lasts, implants are a great option for many. This guide will help you understand if dental implants are the right solution for you.