Is Dental Implant Surgery Right for Me?

Dental implants are today's best tooth replacements. They provide both cosmetic and oral health benefits. Many patients with damaged or missing teeth research dental implants as a solution.

Most healthy patients can receive dental implants without problems. However, not every patient is a candidate for the procedure due to medical issues or lifestyle choices.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for dental implants share these characteristics:

Missing or Damaged Teeth

If you need to have teeth extracted or have a gap in your smile, dental implants may be an excellent option. Dental implants provide sturdy replacements for natural teeth, improving your chewing ability as well as your smile.

Positive Oral Hygiene Habits

To care for a dental implant, you need excellent oral hygiene skills. Brush thoroughly twice daily, floss, and keep all recommended dental appointments. If your oral hygiene suffers, you may have problems with gum disease and tooth decay which can interfere with your implant.

Healthy Gums

Dental implants rely on healthy gums. Patients with gum disease have trouble healing since the implant requires a solid attachment point.

Sufficient Bone Mass in the Jaw

The titanium post or anchor bonds with your jawbone in osseointegration, creating a solid bond and ensuring a stable implant.

If you do not have enough bone mass due to missing teeth, you may be able to receive a bone graft from an oral surgeon. A grafting procedure introduces ground and sterilized bone material, which the natural bone uses as a scaffold to grow new tissue.

No Medical Conditions Affecting Healing or Immunity

Some patients with trouble healing due to medical conditions need to receive other types of tooth replacements. These conditions may include cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, and immune system issues.

Non-smoker or Willing to Quit

Tobacco products impede healing, interfering with the gum and bone's ability to hold the implant in place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

How soon after a tooth extraction can you get a dental implant?

The dentist can often place the implant during the same tooth extraction procedure. However, needing a bone graft from the oral surgeon will require additional healing time.

Is getting a dental implant painful?

Many patients worry about dental implant surgery being uncomfortable. Since the dentist uses extensive local anesthesia, you should not feel anything but pressure during the procedure. Many patients also choose some level of sedation for the surgery. After the procedure, you may have some soreness and tenderness, but these will pass during healing.

Call The Ricco Dental Group

Dental implants can improve your life and provide long-lasting performance. Even if you have one or more issues that could preclude implants, your dentist may be able to work with you to improve your oral health and make the surgery possible. 

Please contact us at our convenient Plainview and Massapequa, New York locations to learn more about implants and how they can brighten your smile.