​Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

One of the most popular solutions to missing teeth is dental implants, which have come a long way in terms of reliability since they were first introduced. We are pleased to welcome our newest dentist Dr. Karateew, who is an expert in this particular field of dentistry. At Water Tower Dental Care, we can now perform a dental implant on our qualifying patients in house, so you never have to leave the office.

What is Implant Dentistry?

If this term still sounds new to you, it may make you a little nervous. Dental implants are artificial teeth that are attached to posts that are surgically inserted into your jaw, and over time mesh together as one. They've grown popular due to their extreme durability, which makes them a permanent fix to missing teeth. You can eat with them, clean them regularly, and treat them the same way you would a normal tooth.

Dental implants can be used to replace one or more teeth, and can even replace an entire row or several teeth together in a line. They typically come in 3 pieces and are considered permanent. Because of this, they are much more popular than dentures or other solutions to replacing missing or excessively damaged teeth.

Am I A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Missing teeth? Considering asking your dentist about a dental implant? Maybe you're sick of dentures, or have several areas to fill in. No matter what your story is, looking into implant dentistry is a great idea. Like any sort of dental surgery, there are a few things that you need to meet in order to qualify for the implants.

You can use these common requirements to evaluate yourself and your health before talking to your dentist about the procedure. A few of the reasons you may not be considered a good candidate for dental implants could be:

• You do not have good general health.
• You suffer from gum disease, cancer, or diabetes, which can cause additional complications.
• You smoke regularly or have in the past.
• You do not have enough bone density to support the implants.
• Your insurance does cover the procedure.

Like most things, there are always exceptions to the rule, so even if you find yourself falling into one or more of these categories, there may still options for you. The most important things we look for in our patients needing implant dentistry due to missing teeth is good health in other areas, and healthy habits when it comes to eating, drinking, and cleaning their pearly whites.

The reason we look for good health in our patients is due to their ability to endure and recover quickly from the procedure. Conditions such as diabetes may alter your bone formation and increase the risk of complications during the healing process. When it comes to health issues that cannot be avoided, we may be more lenient depending on the nature or severity of the condition.

If gum disease is already present in the patient, it can increase the risks of rejection, causing pain and swelling until the implant is removed from the jaw. Patients who do not suffer any sort of pre-existing health or periodontal conditions are the ideal patients to undergo the procedure.

Many insurances will only cover a fraction, if any, of the cost of dental implants. While more and more are accepting the procedure as the best option available, several agencies still consider other, cheaper methods to be more suitable, and will only pay out a certain amount to cover an implant. Talking with your insurance providers can help you get a better idea of what their policy is for implant dentistry.

The Benefits of Implant Dentistry

Missing teeth or chronic dental problems can do a lot of harm to your oral and general health. Weak or loose, damaged, or missing teeth can restrict your diet and cause discomfort. Having a tooth missing for long periods of time can also hurt the bone in your jaw causing it to erode, and increases the possibility of losing other teeth.

A dental implant is inserted into the bone in your jaw and will mesh with one another, so they are attached, like an anchor. Because of this, it will help support your jaw and the bone, causing it to not deteriorate and fail. This helps to avoid a sinking, sagging appearance as old age sets in, too.

The longevity of implant dentistry is the main benefit you'll find. Unlike other methods, you don't need to have them re-done several times, nor do you have to take extra care with them such as purchasing specific cleaners or sealants. They are designed to be as strong and rooted into your jaw as a normal tooth, so it won't slide or affect your eating in any way.

You'll only pay for the teeth you need, which makes dental implants an ideal choice for when just one or two teeth are missing from your gums. If you are in good health and do not suffer from any of the previously mentioned problems and want a solution for your missing teeth, come in and visit us at Water Tower Dental Care in Chicago today! Our dental professional can explain the procedure to you more in depth. Contact us to set an appointment.