Who is a Candidate?![]() Determining Your Dental NeedsAm I the right candidate for implants? That is what many of our patients ask. The ideal candidate is usually in good health and has enough bone in the jaw to support a dental prosthetic. Good candidates should also have healthy gum tissues or tissues that are free of gum disease. If you have any problems with periodontal disease, we will address the dental condition first before recommending implant surgery. Some patients may not have enough bone to support an implant. If you have this condition, we may suggest a bone graft and inserting smaller implants. To determine your exact needs, we will use the latest in imaging equipment, such as a 3D CT scan, to prepare a treatment plan and discuss your dental requirements. In most cases, most patients see good results. Implants, which serve as artificial tooth roots, can be used to replace dentures or bridges, or may be used to support a crown where a tooth is missing. We just need to make sure you have enough bone to anchor the implant in place. When you don’t have enough bone, again, we can graft bone or add a grafting material to rebuild the bone at an implant site. How Is an Evaluation Made?To determine your eligibility for implants, we thoroughly evaluate your teeth, jaw, and mouth, and review your medical history. Patients receive x-rays and a CT scan so bone loss, if any, can be identified and treated. These diagnostic images also help us to review your sinuses and locate nerves for treatment purposes. Who Is a Poor Candidate?People who tend to be poor candidates for implant surgery include people who smoke or drink to excess, or people with periodontal disease. Diabetics, whose disease is not controlled, are poor risks as well. Also, anyone who takes medicines that suppress the immune system may not be the right candidate for implant surgery. If you grind your teeth, we will need to carefully assess your dental condition. Grinding or clenching the teeth can add too much pressure on the new teeth, which can trigger long-term damage to the surrounding teeth. In some instances, we may be able to provide a mouthguard to protect your implants from any grinding. This type of protective device is normally worn at night. If you would like to know more about implant surgery, we, at Fay Periodontal Associates, are here to help. Give us a call today at (816) 561-8466 for a consultation and an appointment. The sooner you find out about replacing a non-functional smile, the sooner we can help you improve overall dental health. Whether you opt for implants or another dental solution, we want to support all of your smile and dental needs. |