Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants are closely connected to the surrounding bone and soft tissues in the mouth. When considering implants, patients are encouraged to learn all the pertinent details about the procedure with the help of their Atlanta dentist. Several factors determine if the patient is a good candidate for dental implant surgery:

• The number of teeth presently missing
• Any existing medical conditions
• Patient’s health history
• Patient’s lifestyle and daily habits
• Nutritional choices
• Levels of oral care at home

When Dental Implants are Justified

Implants replace absent teeth and improve the aesthetics of the smile as well as functionality of the mouth. Implants are warranted when:

• Only a single tooth needs replacement
• Multiple teeth are missing and patient is in good health
• The patient is fully edentulous and would benefit from implant supported dentures
• Sinus augmentation can be performed to improve the quality and quantity of the bone
• Deformities in alveolar ridge can be modified to accommodate the prosthesis

Once it is determined that the procedure would be beneficial to the patient, the treatment begins with the initial placement of the implant. During the healing process, the patient is fitted with temporary acrylic prosthesis to retain the volume of the bone and prevent the migration of the adjacent teeth. Healing is typically completed within 6-9 months, and the client would then be able to receive permanent restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.