Dental implants are known as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. With implants, patients can get their smiles back. Implants secure dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures to ensure that restorations last for many years. Here we will review the best candidates for implants and how we help patients become candidates for dental implants in Arlington Heights, IL.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
We recommend implant-secured dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures for patients with the following:
- One or more missing teeth
- Good oral health
- Healthy jaw bone
Our office will not recommend dental implants for children or teenagers. The jaw will continue to grow until adulthood. Dental implants require sufficient jaw bone to ensure a stable restoration. Patients with extensive jaw bone loss are not good candidates for implant treatment. However, we may recommend bone grafting for patients with bone loss.
PREPARING FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
There are multiple treatments that we can perform for patients to ensure that they are good candidates for implant treatment:
- Bone Grafting: We will recommend bone grafting treatment if patients do not have enough healthy jaw bone for their dental implants. During bone grafting treatment, an oral surgeon will place healthy bone tissue where needed. The cells in the new bone seal with the old bone to strengthen the area. Many patients benefit from bone grafting because losing a tooth can also lead to increased bone loss in the first year of loss.
- Gum Disease: Periodontitis, or gum disease, affects the stability of dental implants and implant restorations. If we find signs of gum disease, including bleeding, irritation, and sore gums, we will recommend a deep cleaning treatment. This treatment removes bacterial buildup from the gums and tooth roots. Once the gum tissue is fully healed and healthy, we will begin implant treatment.
- Dental Extraction: If we find signs of tooth decay in any remaining teeth, we will recommend a tooth extraction. Removing decayed teeth, especially if they cause lost permanent teeth, can prevent the spread of severe infection to any remaining healthy teeth.
We thoroughly ensure patients are prepared for implant treatment to prevent problems like implant failure. Dental infections, smoking, alcohol use, and other factors can prevent implants from fully fusing with the jaw bone. Addressing problems before treatment and ensuring patients maintain their health during the implant process ensures that implant restorations last for many years.
Are you interested in implant treatment? Call AH Smiles for treatment today at (847) 230-9703. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Brent Engelberg on our website. Please let us know if you have any questions about dental implants or your candidacy for treatment. We’re here to help.