Am I Eligible for Implant Dentistry?

Are you looking for the most effective way to restore your missing teeth? Dentists highly recommend tooth replacement treatment with a dental implant, a surgically placed prosthetic tooth fixture.

However, not every patient will be eligible for this type of restorative dental treatment. You can schedule a consultation with your dental professional to find the best tooth replacement solution for your unique dental scenario. Dr. Lynn Morgan, a dentist serving patients in Severna Park, MD, lists three qualities that make patients ideal for dental implants.

dental implant patients Severna Park Maryland

Characteristics in Ideal Dental Implant Patients

Seeking Permanent Teeth Replacement Solutions

Tooth loss can make it difficult to perform oral functions, and missing teeth can disrupt the appearance of your smile. These negative side effects of tooth loss can detract from the quality of your life, so dentists advocate for tooth replacement treatment.

Dental implants offer permanent smile restoration, giving confidence to patients that their devices will not slip out of place at inopportune moments. They also will not have to worry about their fixtures wearing down over time.

However, some individuals may prefer a removable tooth replacement treatment, such as dentures. These devices are more affordable than their fixed alternatives and can offer more freedom to patients as they can take them out of their mouths as needed.

Healthy and Stable Jawbone

A dental implant utilizes surgically placed titanium post anchors in the jaw to support a prosthetic crown, bridge, or denture. Therefore, an implant dentistry candidate must have a strong, healthy jawbone.

If too much bone in the jaw has deteriorated due to tooth loss, the jaw may not successfully fuse with the anchor to sustain an implant. If this is the case, a dental professional may suggest a bone graft to build stability in the jaw or pursue alternative tooth replacement solutions. Your dentist can evaluate your jaw health with x-ray imaging during a consultation appointment.

Commitment to the Implant Process

Implant dentistry involves a multi-step process that occurs over a period of several months. Patients who commit to this restorative solution should understand that it can take three or more appointments and a lengthy amount of time before they see the results of their treatment.

They will visit their dentist’s office for a consultation, oral surgery to receive anchors in the jaw, and to get their prosthetics placed after healing from the surgery. Patients should exhibit patience with this process and remember that permanent tooth replacement lies at the end of these appointments. They can experience a lifetime of aesthetic, functional, and structural enhancement with dental implants at the conclusion of the treatment.

Dental Implants Available in Severna Park, MD

Dr. Morgan offers dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions to eligible patients in Severna Park, MD. Our practice also specializes in restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry, including periodontal care, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our team of dental experts, contact our office by phone at 410.415.9015 or reach a member of our staff online.