When it comes to tooth replacement, dental implants are the preferred choice for a number of reasons.
Dentists and dental professionals in San Jose, California, recommend tooth implants because they preserve jawbone density and facial structure, without compromising the adjacent healthy teeth. Patients appreciate having a natural-looking smile, one that feels and functions like their original teeth – and the fact that dental implants can remain in great shape for a lifetime with no special care.
If you have gaps in your grin, are tooth implants an option? Actually, just about anyone with missing teeth – even those with oral challenges or health concerns – can choose this method of tooth replacement. Read on to learn more.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
While anyone who wants to replace one or more missing teeth can get dental implants, some San Jose residents are ideal candidates for the tooth replacement procedure. You might be in that group if you have:
- Good physical and oral health
- Sufficient jawbone density
- No infection or dental problems
- No underlying medical conditions
Let’s be honest – many people don’t fit that description. However, you don’t need to be an ideal candidate for dental implants. As long as you are a reasonably healthy adult, you can fill the gaps in your smile with implanted teeth.
Most People Can Get Dental Implants
In our experience at The Glen Dental, many people in and around San Jose, California, seem to think that dental implants are out of the question for them. That’s unfortunate, as the truth is, almost everyone can replace their missing teeth with implants.
However, certain factors do make matters more complex. When planning your tooth replacement procedure, the following must be taken into consideration:
Gum Health – If you’re battling gingivitis or periodontitis, the infection will need to be resolved before replacement teeth can be put in place. Without a healthy oral environment, implants may not be a lifelong solution for tooth loss.
Bone Density – If you jaw has atrophied, a common trait among those with missing teeth, a grafting procedure may be essential. Implants require a strong foundation of bone to ensure stability; without that, there’s a greater risk of failure.
Medical Health – If you have a chronic condition like osteoporosis or diabetes, you may have an increased risk of infection and other complications after implant placement. Knowing this, however, an implant dentist can take precautions to avoid problems.
Personal Habits – If you’re a smoker, you’ll want to consider quitting before you make plans to get replacement teeth. Smoking delays the healing process and increases the likelihood of complications, so think twice before you decide to light up.
Issues like those listed above are obstacles that can be overcome, but when you have a complex situation, you need a skilled and experienced implant dentist. With a tooth replacement specialist, your dental implants will have the highest probability of success.
Is Age a Factor for Dental Implants?
Seniors in San Jose, California, frequently assume that they’re too old to get dental implants. This isn’t the case at all – research shows that the procedure is both safe and effective for adults of any age.
According to a study through the journal of Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, the success rate for patients over 80 years old is nearly identical to that for younger patients. As such, advancing age in itself isn’t a barrier to getting dental implants, but for some seniors, surgical recovery may be more of a challenge.
On the other end of the age spectrum, children who lose a permanent tooth aren’t candidates for implants – not yet, anyway. Implanted teeth are a lifelong solution because they fuse with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. If the jaw hasn’t finished growing when an implant is put in place, it may sink or become crooked as time goes on, keeping the adjacent teeth from emerging properly.
For children, the right age for dental implants must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally speaking, however, girls may have fully-developed jawbones that can support implanted teeth by the age of 14 or 15. Boys typically need to wait until they reach age 17 or older. Those who aren’t quite ready for implants can ask an experienced San Jose dentist for other options, such as a removable partial denture (more commonly known as a flipper).
Contact The Glen Dental Today
Expertise is essential for success with tooth replacement, and the professional team at The Glen Dental has decades of experience. We’re committed to continuing education, staying in-the-know regarding new techniques and industry innovations. We also have an in-house lab and state-of-the-art implant center, which allows us to provide the highest quality of care.
Concerned about the price? At The Glen Dental, we offer in-house dental financing – and while the initial investment may be higher for tooth implants than for other options, implanted teeth can last forever with routine care. With all of that in mind, turning to us is a cost-effective solution for missing teeth. For more information, or to schedule a professional consultation to discuss dental implants, contact our practice in San Jose, California, today.