By adulthood, you will have thirty-two teeth in total, including the molars that erupt later on in life. People commonly overlook dental health as part of their overall wellbeing, which is alarming since adult teeth are permanent, and losing one can affect a person’s quality of life.
According to a study done by the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH), one-third of all Australians aged 15 years old and over suffer from irreversible tooth decay. Tooth decay will eventually lead to large loss of tooth structure and if left untreated eventually will lead to tooth loss. Once a tooth is lost replacement options can be discussed and the question “Can I have a dental?” discussed.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
If you lose a tooth due to dental problems or a traumatic accident, you may feel more self conscious about your smile, especially if it’s a front tooth. Although tooth loss is permanent, you can replace a damaged tooth by getting dental implants.
“Why dental implants?” you may ask. The answer is simple: dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. A dental implant replaces your lost tooth with a synthetic material that fuses into the bone and looks like a real tooth. A lot of time care goes into making your dental implant look as natural as possible, so, you won’t have to worry about your dental implant sticking out like a sore thumb. Chances are, people will not know you have one unless you let them know.
Anyone in generally good health can be a candidate to get dental implants. There are some conditions, however, that can decrease the success or ability for dental implants to be placed. These include:
- Heavy smokers
- People suffering from chronic health disorders such as diabetes
- People who have had radiation therapy done in the head and neck area
- People who suffer from gum disease/periodontitis
- People who take medications that slow down bone healing
Why you may consider Dental Implants to replace a missing tooth
Matches Your Natural Teeth
Your dentist will create a custom replacement tooth to attach to your implant, called a crown. Your dentist will match your crown to your natural teeth.
Have a long Lifetime
Once the dental implant and the jaw bone achieve fusion (osseointegration), dental implants can last a long time, decades even. Due to natural wear and tear, the implant’s crown or abutment may need to be replaced leaving the implant happily in the bone. This longevity is why dental implants can be a good option and are recommended by many dentists
Prevent Bone Loss
A dental implant mimics the function of natural teeth and helps to maintain the surrounding bone. Dental implants can help reduce bone loss associated with tooth loss and its related dental issues.
Dental Implants Can Help Keep Adjacent Teeth Stable
By providing structure and support just like a natural tooth would do, dental implants can help reduce wear on other teeth by sharing the chewing load. More even force distribution can help reduce wear or fracture risk of other teeth and the need for additional dental procedures.
Easy to Care For
As long as you practice proper care for your dental implants with regular oral hygiene, they can be quite low-maintenance. Care for your dental implant as you would your natural teeth with twice daily brushing and flossing.
What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?
Review of your medical history
Before your dental exam, your dentist will ask you a series of questions concerning your medical history. Your medical history is essential in determining if you are able to be a candidate for implant placement.
Comprehensive dental exam
Your dentist will do a complete examination of your teeth and bite which will require some imaging including x-rays. During this stage, your dentist will evaluate if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Treatment plan
Your dentist will discuss with you an individualized treatment plan to replace your missing tooth/teeth. They will discuss the pros and cons of treatment, costs involved and all the treatment options available to you. At this point, you can ask your dentist about any points of clarification. Depending on the extent of the treatment required , you may be referred to a Specialist for the implant placement or the entire procedure (implant placement and restoration).
Summary
Dental health is important, and if you want your pearly whites to last you a lifetime, make sure to give them the proper care they deserve. When considering options to replace your missing tooth/teeth, implants should be considered as one of the possible options.
Dental implants can be a worthwhile investment to restore your missing tooth, your smile and bite. Talk to your dentist about your dental implant options and see if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Book an appointment at our clinic today to get that best smile!
