Are Dental Implants Right for You?

23 August 2022
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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Are you thinking about getting dental implants? Here are a few things to consider that should help you decide whether implants are right for you:

Reasons to Get Dental Implants

There are several reasons why you may consider getting partial or full dental implants. Dental implants are an obvious choice for those who are missing multiple teeth or who are dealing with a mouth full of infectious teeth. Even if these issues do not affect you, implants may still be an option. Here are some reasons why people may consider getting dental implants:

  • Improved Speech
  • One or More Missing Teeth
  • Improper Jawbone Alignment
  • Unwillingness to Wear Dentures

Your doctor can provide you with a list of all the reasons they are willing to consider dental implants for their patients so that you can ensure that your reasoning aligns with their requirements.

Deciding Whether You're a Good Candidate

Your doctor will work with you to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants, as this product is not suitable for everyone. For example, if your jawbone is not adequate enough to secure implants, you may have to get a bone graft to successfully install dental implants. If a graft is not possible, implants likely won't work for you. Also, if you smoke cigarettes, the habit could inhibit your body's ability to properly heal the implants and ensure that they fuse to the bone.

So, your doctor may require that you quit smoking before they agree to perform implant surgery for you. Another reason why you might not be a good candidate for dental implants is if you have health issues that affect the proper healing of your jaw bones. If these issues do not apply to you, then chances are that you'll be a good candidate for dental implants.

Considering the Benefits and Risks

Another thing to consider when deciding whether dental implants are right for you are the benefits and risks of having such surgery. If you aren't clear about both the benefits and risks, you may end up regretting your decision to get or not get dental implants in the future. Here's what you should know:

The Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

  • An Enhanced Ability to Chew Food
  • Preservation of Bone and Gum Health
  • Keeps Real Teeth Stable Over Time
  • Improves Overall Cosmetic Appearance

The Risks of Getting Dental Implants

  • Damaged Natural Teeth Due to Placement of Implants
  • Decreased Overall Functionality
  • Loosening of the Implants
  • Risk of Gum Disease and Infection

Ask your doctor for a complete list of possible benefits and risks. This will allow you to spend some time going over each thing and ensuring that you understand the implications of each benefit and risk.