Who is a candidate for implant dentistry?
In general, a candidate for implant dentistry is someone who has lost one or more teeth, but has good oral and general health. Implant dentistry candidates should not have significant periodontal disease, should be a non-smoker, and should have good bone mass to support the dental implants.
The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate is to be evaluated by an implant dentist in person.
What is the implant dentistry process like?
The implant dentistry process may begin with the removal of a damaged or infected tooth. If it is impossible to save a tooth through a root canal, removal may be recommended. If possible, it is often best to replace the tooth right away with a dental implant.
Next comes the planning stage. Your bone mass and structure will be evaluated to ensure there is enough bone to support a dental implant. If not, implant dentist Dr. Ravon may recommend a bone graft. Gum treatment may also be recommended before your implant dentistry procedure if you have periodontal disease. Your implant dentist will identify the precise location, orientation, and type of dental implant likely to give you the best results.
The dental implant procedure itself may take only a few minutes to accomplish. Depending on the position of the tooth to be replaced and the state of your bite, you may get either a temporary or final crown at the same time. In many cases, it is recommended that you wait for several months before putting a load on your dental implant. This allows time for the dental implant to fuse with your jawbone.
When your implant is ready, it will be topped with an aesthetic and durable dental crown. There may be one or more check-ups to ensure the health of your dental implant if there were concerns.
Can dental implants really last a lifetime?
Yes. Dental implants have been in use since the 1980s, so we have a good idea about their longevity. A recent study showed that 92% of dental implants were still in place after an average of 18.4 years in service. And about 75% of these dental implants had their original dental crowns. This shows that with proper care, dental implants have a very good chance of lasting for the rest of your life.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Your implant dentist will discuss care with you, but in general dental implant maintenance consists of nothing more is required than normal brushing, flossing, and routine visits to the dentist every six months for preventative care.
How do I choose an implant dentist?
No choice will affect the success of your procedure as much as your selection of an implant dentist. It is best if you consider several dentists before making your decision. Look at websites to identify a few that seem promising and schedule consultations with at least three.
Make sure you select a dentist who has:
- Quality training
- Extensive experience
- Good results and references from prior patients
In addition, you want to choose a dentist who makes you feel comfortable. You will be working with this dentist for at least several months, so it’s important to find one you can work with, and you’ll be living with the results for decades, so you want to make sure they are listening to your wishes about the procedure.
Please contact Rice Dentistry in Irvine, California today to meet our implant dentist, Dr. Ravon. Call (949) 551-5902 today!
