Dental implants have become an increasingly popular choice to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. They are a permanent tooth replacement option for patients seeking an alternative to complete dentures. While dental implants are touted as one of the best tooth replacement options, they aren’t for everyone. Several factors may preclude someone from being a candidate for dental implants. So today on the blog, Dr. Chris Mohler, a top-rated implant dentist in Beaufort, explains whether anyone can get dental implants and how to tell if you are a candidate.
First, let’s explore what dental implants are and how they restore your smile after tooth loss.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants consist of three components, 1) the implant screw, 2) the dental crown, and 3) an abutment that connects the two. Designed to support a dental crown visible in the mouth, the implant screw is surgically placed into the jawbone first. Therefore, having a sufficient, healthy jawbone is necessary to get dental implants. In some cases, dental implants can be used to restore total tooth loss by anchoring a dental bridge or All-on-4 replacement teeth, both permanent.
What are the advantages of getting dental implants?
If you have a single missing tooth, you might figure there’s no need to replace it. But unfortunately, even pulling one tooth and leaving a gap could lead to jawbone recession, which occurs over time when a tooth is removed and not replaced. Jawbone recession could ultimately result in your other teeth shifting, an uneven bite, jaw joint pain or discomfort, and crooked teeth. Those effects magnify with additional tooth loss. But an implant stimulates the jawbone at the missing tooth site and reduces the likelihood of jawbone recession.
Additional benefits of dental implants are that they are permanent. This is helpful for patients who are missing all of their teeth on the same dental arch and don’t want to get dentures. The All-on-4 implant system may be ideal in these cases because it provides permanent, stable teeth that allow you to eat what you want and speak without worrying about dentures slipping out of place.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Since dental implants rely on healthy jawbone, you must have enough bone density to stabilize the implant. This is determined by an oral examination and digital imaging so that Dr. Mohler, a Hilton Head implant dentist, can analyze your jawbone density. Additionally, the procedure is completed in steps to ensure the jawbone has enough time to heal and fuse to the implant through a process called osseointegration. The healing process may take several months or more but ensures the implant is stable enough to support the dental crown. Therefore, you must be willing and able to commit to this lengthy process.
While implants are known as one of the best tooth replacement options, they aren’t for everyone. Patients with diabetes that is not well controlled, certain types of cancer, or those undergoing chemotherapy may not be ideal candidates for dental implants in Beaufort. However, if Dr. Mohler determines that you are not a candidate for dental implants, you can explore other tooth replacement options to restore your smile. The best way to know for sure whether you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with a trusted implant dentist near you in Hilton Head. Dr. Chris Mohler, DDS, uses Guided Implant Dentistry to ensure precise placement of implants and has undergone extensive training in implant dentistry. Choosing a knowledgeable and experienced implant dentist for your procedure for best results is essential.
Dental Implants in Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Bluffton
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants in Bluffton or find out if implants are right for you, contact Chris Mohler, DDS, by calling (843) 522-1442 or contact us online.