Unlock a Healthier Smile: Your Guide to Dental Implant Candidacy
If you have ever wondered, "Am I a candidate for dental implants?" we encourage you to call (512) 846-2011 and schedule an appointment with our Hutto, TX dental office. Dr. Chad Brown can conduct an examination and take X-rays to determine if you qualify for implant surgery, and if not, what it will take to help you qualify. At Advanced Dental Care of Hutto, we will work with you to develop the best plan to replace your missing teeth, even if that means conducting additional procedures to ensure your eligibility.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants if I Have Crowded Teeth?
Yes, you are. However, you may need orthodontic treatment to create sufficient space for the implant first. Attempting to place an implant without adequate space is not advisable, as it can worsen existing dental issues. It's crucial to time the procedure correctly and place the implant in a properly prepared area to ensure optimal support. Since the process involves oral surgery, it's essential to do it right the first time.
Is There a Cutoff Age for Dental Implants?
No, but there are certain requirements for dental implants that individuals of various ages may not meet. While we treat older patients and believe it is never too late to enhance a smile, patients must have sufficient bone density to support a dental implant.Those who have worn dentures for an extended period before seeking dental implants may experience jaw bone atrophy, which can hinder proper implant support. In such cases, a mini-dental implant may be a more suitable option, as its shorter metal post requires less bone structure for secure placement.
Do I Qualify if I Have Crooked Teeth?
Absolutely. At Advanced Dental Care of Hutto, we treat patients with crooked teeth. In many instances, patients will undergo orthodontic treatment and receive a dental implant near the completion of that process. This allows for the creation of necessary space for the implant. Furthermore, combining these procedures results in a significantly enhanced smile. In rare situations where existing teeth do not respond adequately to orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners, a professional may recommend extraction of the problematic tooth and replacement with a dental implant. This is something we can discuss during a consultation at our Hutto dental office.
Can I Get Implants if I Have an Over/under-bite?
Yes. The position of your bite does not necessarily preclude you from qualifying for dental implants. However, we typically recommend addressing this issue. Aligning your jaw can correct both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.
Are Implants the Right Solution for Missing Teeth?
Absolutely. Dental implants are specifically designed to replace missing teeth. Whether you have lost one or multiple teeth due to age, infection, decay, or trauma, we can replace them with durable dental implants. Dental implants are the only restoration that replaces both the missing tooth root and crown. We will secure a titanium post to your jawbone, and through osseointegration, the jaw will provide the same level of stability to your replacement tooth as it did to your natural tooth. Patients appreciate the durability of this solution and how it allows them to maintain an active lifestyle while enjoying their favorite foods. If you are also considering dentures or a dental bridge, consider the positive impact dental implants can have on your lifestyle, and then call (512) 846-2011 to schedule an appointment with Advanced Dental Care of Hutto.
Can I Get Implants if I Have Gum Disease?
For your health, no. It is much better to wait until you go through the necessary treatment to eliminate the gum disease. Healthy gums are critical for this procedure since we need to cut into the gums to place the metal implant. Any existing infection can decrease the success rate of the procedure and extend your recovery process. When you visit our Hutto dental office, we will let you know if we discover any signs of gum disease and present you with a treatment plan to address it.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants if I Have Cavities?
Not yet, but you can be. In our dental office, we can treat your cavities by removing tooth decay and restoring your teeth. We can complete this procedure fairly quickly and decide if the teeth are healthy enough or if dental implants are necessary. At Advanced Dental Care of Hutto, we also want to ensure your mouth is healthy prior to starting a procedure of this magnitude.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants if My Teeth Fell Out a Long Time Ago?
At Advanced Dental Care of Hutto, we treat patients in all stages of life and often work with seniors who receive dentures after tooth loss and now feel dissatisfaction with the results. While dentures are effective, they have a level of inconvenience. Patients need to take the dentures out to clean and soak them on a regular basis. In other situations, patients can struggle with the dentures slipping out on accident. Unfortunately, after losing an adult tooth, the body goes through the process of resorption. Through resorption, the body leaches calcium from the jawbone for use elsewhere. A patient who has lost teeth may not have a jawbone that is dense enough for the procedure. In this case, we may need to perform a bone graft or refer you to specialist for one. The other solution to consider would be mini-dental implants, where the actual post is shorter, requiring less bone density to remain in place.
Dental implants are by far the best solution for tooth loss. A dental implant can look so natural that other people may not be able to tell which tooth is the replacement. It is also durable enough to allow you to engage in high impact activities, like running a marathon or singing in the choir without worrying about your tooth becoming loose. With dental implants, you will also be able to eat all of your favorite foods. Patients are able to smile with confidence after getting dental implants..
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Questions Answered on This Page
Definition of Dental Implant Terminology
Abutment
An abutment is a component that attaches to a dental implant, allowing a professional to place a dental crown and provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing, and fully functional smile.
Bridge
Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.
Dental Crown
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.
Endosteal (endosseous)
Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.
Eposteal (subperiosteal)
Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.
Osseointegration
Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.
Periodontal
Literally “around the tooth”
Resorption
Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.
Transosteal (transosseous)
Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.
