After doing some research online, it’s clear that dental implants are the consensus best way to replace missing teeth. That’s true whether you’re reading an article by a dentist or one of millions of 5-star patient reviews. But while that’s all well and good, are they right for YOU? Here are the three most important factors.
You’re Committed to Oral Hygiene
Despite how they look and function, dental implants are quite different from real teeth. One of the biggest distinctions is that they can’t develop cavities. But, to guarantee they last for 10, 20, or even 30+ years, it’s important that a patient practice consistent oral hygiene. The gums and bone that support implants can still develop an infection that could ultimately lead to the new tooth failing if it’s ignored, but this can be avoided entirely with daily brushing and flossing.
Often, it’s a lack of oral hygiene that leads a person to need dental implants in the first place, and sticking to this habit is key to helping them stand the test of time.
You Have Decent General Health
The first step for any implant patient is to have the new titanium tooth roots surgically placed into the mouth. This means that a patient has to be healthy enough for surgery, so they need to be free of complications that can stem from actively smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or untreated cardiovascular issues.
You don’t need to be a marathon runner in order to receive dental implants, but having stable general health greatly increases the chance of success for the surgery while dramatically lowering the risk.
You’re Willing to Be Patient
Once they are in place, dental implants can often stick around for a lifetime. However, the procedure itself can take quite a while, so a patient has to be willing to go through the often 3-6 month process.
While a traditional denture or bridge may only take a few weeks to be designed and placed, with dental implants, a patient has to undergo placement surgery, wait for months for the posts to bond with their jaw, and then have their new teeth attached. For advanced cases where someone is restoring a full row of teeth, it can take about a year. That’s why implants are typically only recommended for those who are willing to wait a little longer for a much higher-quality result.
If your first thought after reading this is that you’re definitely not a great candidate for dental implants, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many people who want the treatment can’t start right away, but by working with their dentist, things can change. An oral hygiene routine can be established, general health can be better managed, and a timeline can be defined so you know how long the process will take.
Just because you might not be a good candidate now doesn’t mean you won’t be in the future. With your dentist’s help, you’ll be able to get a treatment that will help you look, feel, and eat like your teeth were never missing in the first place.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr has dedicated his career to serving the Massapequa Park community for the last 40 years and is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished dentists in the country. In demand as a trainer, speaker, and educator, his favorite thing to do is help his patients achieve the smiles of their dreams, and he has enabled countless people to do just that using dental implants.
If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth for life or upgrade from your denture or bridge–click here or call (516) 541-7344 to get in touch with Dr. Mohr.