Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are missing one or several teeth, or if you have severely damaged teeth that need to be removed, you’ve probably considered what is the best way to replace them. Should you go with a bridge, get a set of dentures, or opt for replacing individual teeth with implants instead? In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of dental implants, their benefits and risks, and who is the ideal candidate for this innovative dental procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are surgically implanted metal posts, usually made of titanium, which anchor a dental crown into the spot where a tooth is missing. The post of the dental implant is permanent when it properly integrates into the bone tissue of the jaw. However, the dental crown on top may need to be replaced periodically - every 10-15 years, assuming proper at-home and professional dental care. Once the dental implant and crown is placed, it requires no more care than any other tooth. Implants and Implant-Supported Dental Crowns allow patients to restore the natural appearance of their smile with the convenience of a long-term, low-maintenance solution.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants boast many benefits when compared to other teeth replacement methods:

• Natural looking
• Semi-permanent (post is permanent, crown requires occasional replacement)
• Same care requirements as a natural tooth
• Preserves jawbone tissue
• Allows normal speech and eating function

Risks of Dental Implants

Just like any other dental or medical procedure, dental implants can have some risks. The biggest risk with dental implants is the chance that the post will not integrate into the bone tissue or the jawbone, causing the post to be rejected. Dental implants may not be possible for patients who experience this rejection. Since the implant post is surgically implanted, there are also the risks associated with surgery, such as infection and anesthesia complications. Overall, these risks are very rare but should still be reported to the dentist immediately for follow-up.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

Most dental patients are good candidates for dental implants. The ideal candidate for dental implants:

• Has good overall health
• Practices proper at-home dental care
• Visits the dentist at least twice per year
• Does not smoke
• Does not grind their teeth
• Has healthy gums
• Has healthy and sufficient jawbone tissue (if not, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the area)
• Is an adult (children’s and teen’s jawbones are still growing, which is not compatible with dental implants)

Even if you are not currently the ideal candidate for dental implants, you can work with your dentist to make the necessary health and lifestyle changes to improve your chances of dental implant success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Do dental implants hurt?

No, once dental implants are in place and fully healed, there should be no pain. However, the process of implanting the post into the gums may cause some post-surgery swelling and discomfort, which should pass fairly quickly. Most patients do not experience any pain when placing the crown on top of the post. For patients who need a bone graft before starting the implant process, the bone graft surgery will also likely cause some swelling and discomfort, but this is also short-lived.

Are dental implants covered by dental insurance?

Some dental insurance plans cover dental implants, while others do not. You will need to speak with your insurance agent or HR benefits representative to find out exactly what is covered by your specific plan.

Dental Implants in Mountlake Terrace

Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth with a natural-looking, long-lasting solution. If you are thinking about dental implants and live in the northern Seattle metro, including Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Woodway, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Alderwood Manor, Brier, and Lake Forest Park, Altitude Dental should be your next call. We work with trusted partners who place the metal implant posts, which we then finish up by adding the implant-supported crowns. To schedule your dental exam and implant consultation, contact us at 425-775-3446 or request an appointment online.