Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Due to their natural appearance and lasting durability, dental implants are a popular option offered by periodontists to replace a patient’s tooth. Though they have many benefits, this treatment may not be best suited for everyone.

Keep reading to learn more from our experts at Progressive Periodontics and to book your consultation with Dr. Thanik to start your journey to a brighter, uniform smile.

REASONS TO GET DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that appear and function just like a patient’s natural tooth would. When added, a dental implant allows your periodontist to place a crown where your tooth is missing. This procedure can help protect your teeth and jaw from damage, as a missing tooth can cause your jaw to shrink if left untreated.

Studies show that dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%, and with proper care, your implants can last a lifetime. There are multiple reasons a patient may be recommended for dental implant treatment, including:

• You have loose dentures
• You don’t want to use adhesives
• You have difficulty chewing
• You fear denture care will be too difficult
• You don’t want a removable tooth replacement option
• You feel self-conscious about your missing tooth or improper tooth alignment

BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS

Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t just give the illusion that your teeth are natural – because they’re a part of your jaw, they can feel like natural teeth, too. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile that will last a lifetime, dental implants can have many other health benefits, including:

• Improving your speech
• Relieving discomfort
• Preventing jaw bone loss
• Eliminated daily denture care
• Improving your eating
• Improving your oral hygiene

HOW ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS INSERTED?

Typically, Dr. Thanik chooses an implant that matches the color of the rest of your natural teeth. During the treatment, a post will be inserted into the bone socket where your natural tooth is either missing or was removed. Then, your jaw bone will naturally grow around this post, securing it into place.

After 6-12 weeks, you will typically return to have a connector post is inserted, and Dr. Thanik can then attach your new tooth.

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS HURT?

There is typically little to no pain or discomfort during the dental implant process — and most patients are simply administered local anesthesia for the treatment. If there is any mild soreness after the implant is placed, patients can use over-the-counter pain relievers to ease their symptoms.

SIGNS OF A GOOD CANDIDATE

Dental implants can protect your bone health and improve your smile, but not every patient is the ideal candidate for this treatment. Typically, if you can withstand a normal tooth extraction, you are a good candidate for dental implants.

The following are signs that you may be a good candidate for dental implants:

• You have a fully developed jaw bone.
• You have no gum recession.
• You have no bone loss.
• You refrain from habits such as heavy smoking or lack of flossing which could impact the success of your implants.

Patients considering dental implants should be dedicated to having good dental hygiene, and should also be willing to see their dentist regularly. If you are unsure if you qualify for dental implants, booking a consultation with Dr. Thanik can help give you the information you need.

TIGARD DENTAL IMPLANTS

If you want to make your smile bright and natural, dental implants are an attractive option for replacing your missing teeth. At Progressive Periodontics, Implants and Laser Therapy, Implants and Laser Therapy, Dr. Thanik and our team work to make sure the process goes as seamlessly as possible so you can begin eating, laughing, and smiling comfortably again.

Ready to make your life easier? Contact our Tigard, OR dental team online to learn more about dental implants, or give us a call at: 503-924-6505.