Data collected by the American College of Prosthodontists shows that an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and about 40 million are missing all their teeth. If you are one of them, you have probably considered one of the many restorative dentistry options available to you.
You could replace your missing teeth with a bridge, but this won’t work for those who are missing all their teeth. You could also try dentures, but they can be uncomfortable and must be taken out every day for cleaning. Both of these options are also not as durable as another, which is considered the gold standard of modern restorative dentistry. We’re talking about dental implants, and if you want a durable replacement for one tooth or multiple teeth that will look and function just like your natural teeth, they are the best option for you.
If you’re wondering whether you would be a good candidate for dental implants, read on to find out more!
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth and are in good oral health, you will most likely be a perfect candidate to receive dental implants. The patients with the best outcomes in dental implant surgery are those who are old enough that their jawbone has stopped growing, and who have healthy gum tissue. Patients living with bone loss in the jaw will have a more difficult time with the procedure and the healing process, but bone grafting and other processes have advanced to the point where almost anyone can receive dental implants.
Some other factors can impair the healing process, but most do not preclude a person from getting dental implant surgery. These include lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol use. Uncontrolled gum disease, excessive tooth grinding, uncontrolled diabetes, conditions that affect the immune system, and cancer of the jaw may also make a candidate unsuitable for dental implants, but that is not set in stone. After being evaluated by healthcare professionals, they may determine that you can still receive your dental implants even if you are living with any of these conditions.
The fact is that dental implant surgery has a very high rate of success. If you are tired of the way missing teeth have affected your self-esteem and enjoyment of life, you owe it to yourself to speak to a cosmetic dentist or oral surgeon about dental implants today.
At American Dental, we are some of the best dental implant surgeons in the Chicago area. If you are interested in dental implant surgery or would like to know more, schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon right away. Visit our contact page to find the Chicagoland location that is most convenient for you and call or schedule an appointment online. In addition to dental implants, we also offer a range of other oral health services, so make an appointment right away if you need a checkup, restorative dentistry, or even cosmetic dentistry in Belmont Cragin or anywhere else in the Chicago area.