If you live in the Sneads Ferry, NC area and are missing teeth, can’t tolerate dentures, or are just looking for a permanent solution to restore a beautiful smile and enhance your oral health, dental implants are an effective solution with many benefits and will last a lifetime. These implants are safe, look natural, and address functional and aesthetic oral concerns. Treatment plans are fully customizable and are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and concerns.
The Long-Term Benefits of Dental Implants in Sneads Ferry, NC
One of the benefits of getting dental implants in Sneads Ferry, NC is that they provide a long-term solution for cosmetic and dental concerns. Because the implants are placed in the mouth with a secure screw that’s drilled directly into the jawbone, the results are permanent and will last a lifetime.
They’re Well-Received by the Body
Once you undergo a dental implant procedure, you can rest assured that your body will respond well to the implant’s presence and receive it instead of viewing it as a toxic substance or foreign body. The implants are non-toxic and made of biocompatible metals like titanium, so they’re safe, well-tolerated, and stable.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Another benefit of implant dentistry in Sneads Ferry, NC, is that the implants used during the procedure prevent future bone loss. Empty spaces within the jawbone often cause decreased bone volume, which continues in the years following the loss of a tooth.
Within one year of losing a tooth, if the space isn’t replaced with an implant, patients will experience up to a 25% decrease in bone volume. Bone loss affects the appearance and accelerates the aging process. An implant will provide the necessary stimulation in the jaw to ensure natural bone growth and adequate bone density.
They’re Stable
Implant dentistry involves placing an implant in the necessary location by drilling into the jawbone and securing the implant. As a result, the implant will look, feel, and act like a normal tooth. Dental implants are made with strong, stable, and durable materials. Once they’re implanted, you won’t have to worry about them breaking any more than you would a natural tooth if you take proper care of them and practice optimal oral health habits.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Implant Dentistry?
If you’re interested in implant dentistry in Sneads Ferry, NC but aren’t sure if you’re a good candidate, there are some eligibility requirements that determine whether this procedure is right for you. The best way to determine your eligibility is by scheduling a consultation during which we will examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and give you more details about the procedure, how it works, what to expect, and determine if it’s right for you.
Patients Who Are in Good Health
Good health is an important qualification for any type of surgical procedure because it ensures that your body can recover and heal well. For dental implant procedures, patients should be in good physical health and have good oral health, as both promote the best recovery and the quickest healing. Optimal health ensures your body will do what’s necessary after the implants are inserted to heal and recover so you can return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
When your body has to focus on healing other conditions, or you have low immune function, you won’t recover as quickly from the procedure and may be at risk for complications. At your consultation, you’ll be asked about your medical history, your current health, any conditions you’re suffering from, and any medications you’re taking to confirm whether this procedure is right for you.
Patients Who Have Sufficient Bone Density
Candidates for this procedure must also have enough bone in their jaws to support the implant. During the procedure, dental implants are typically inserted into the jawbone to hold the implant in place. Therefore, having adequate bone supply in the area is important to qualify for the procedure.
If you have lost some bone, it may not disqualify you from the procedure, as inserting an implant may help prevent future bone loss. An initial consultation will confirm whether you have enough bone in your jaw to safely undergo this procedure and achieve the best results.
Patients Who Have Healthy Gum Tissues
It’s also important that potential candidates for this procedure have healthy gum tissue. Patients with periodontal disease, in which the gums surrounding the teeth are infected, will not qualify for treatment. A prior gum infection will render the body incapable of healing the area after the implant, negatively affecting the outcome and detracting from overall health.
Patients Who Are Missing at Least One Tooth
Many factors contribute to tooth loss, including poor oral hygiene habits, gum disease, the side effects of certain medications, and tobacco use. If you have lost one or more teeth, a dental implant will restore the natural look and feel of the tooth and provide you with many cosmetic and functional benefits.
Patients Whose Jaw Bones Have Stopped Growing
Patients should also be at an age when their jawbones have stopped growing to qualify for this procedure. Further jaw bone growth after a dental implant can negatively affect the bone and the tissue. Typically, female jaw growth ceases between the ages of 14 and 20. In males, jaw growth may continue up to 25 but typically ceases between ages 16 and 20.
Patients Who Are Unable To Wear Dentures
Dental implants are an effective alternative to dentures and meet the needs of those who don’t qualify for dentures. For some, dentures cause a constant gag reflex. For others, oral conditions have made their gums unsuitable for holding dentures in place.
For those individuals, wearing dentures may only deteriorate the gums and cause additional issues. Additionally, dentures are ineffective for those who have only lost one tooth and need a suitable replacement.
Patients Who Are Committed to Following the Aftercare
Following all the aftercare instructions after undergoing an implant dentistry procedure is crucial to long-term results. Patients must be willing to follow all the aftercare and recovery instructions so that the implant will properly adhere to the jawbone. After the procedure, you will receive daily instructions to ensure the best results. You’ll need to avoid certain foods, smoking, and alcohol consumption and take any medication as directed.
You’ll also need to rest, limit total physical activity, and take steps to ensure proper maintenance of the implant in the days, weeks, and years following your procedure.
Patient Who Wish To Improve Their Speech
Missing teeth may significantly impact the quality of speech, which often causes individuals to feel self-conscious, especially in social settings. Replacing one or more lost teeth with an implant will restore normal speech and promote long-term patient confidence.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Implant dentistry benefits patients in good health who need to restore one or more lost teeth. If you want to learn more about this procedure and whether you’re a good candidate, we’ll give you more details, answer all your questions, and design a customized treatment plan. Contact us at a Smith Family and Cosmetic Dentistry location in Porters Nack, Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, Goldsboro, Hampstead, Wilmington, or Surf City, NC, to schedule your initial consultation.