Dental implants are a great tooth replacement treatment for those with one or more missing teeth in Cherry Hill and Camden County, NJ, but just as each patient is unique, their smiles can set new challenges in treatment. Below is a general guideline of patients that can typically receive dental implants, but even if you don’t fall under these categories, this does not mean you are disqualified from dental implants. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Donn to find out if dental implants are best for you.
What does a candidate look like?
Keep in mind that although you may not fall under these categories, contact us to learn more about how dental implants or any of our additional procedures could help you.
One or More Missing Teeth
Dental implants are best for patients who have one or more missing teeth, as they effectively replace these lost teeth with supportive prosthetics. Dental implants are constructed from titanium, which is biocompatible with bone. The bone accepts the implant as an artificial tooth and forms a strong bond. This prevents the neighboring teeth from shifting as well, and reshapes your facial structure to appear more natural and not sunken.
Sufficient Bone and Gum Support
Another factor that can affect your candidacy is the having a sufficient amount of bone and gum support. When a tooth is lost, this can often lead to slight jaw depletion and gum recession. There are other factors that could depletion, such as tooth decay or periodontal disease, but the truth is that both gum and bone are needed for dental implants.
Good Oral Health
Lastly, patients must be in overall good health, including their oral care. If you are also suffering from tooth decay or other form of periodontal disease, inform Dr. Donn during the consultation in case additional treatments are needed.
Supplemental Procedures
If Dr. Donn has determined that you are lacking in bone or gum support, there are two procedures that can be done to repair the areas in need and encourage tissue growth. A bone graft is reserved for those who have depleted jawbone. The process involves removing a sample of bone from another part of the patient’s body such as the hip or shin bone and surgically applying it to the patient’s jaw. This will encourage the jawbone to regrow.
If gum support is what you like, a very similar procedure known as a gum graft or soft tissue augmentation, may be in your future. A sample of tissue is removed from the roof of the patient’s mouth and is surgically applied to the receded gum area. Once the new tissue has taken hold, the gums will grow strong around the tooth roots again.
Find Out if You Qualify for Dental Implants
Just because you may not fall under any of the above, each patient has a unique situation and Dr. Donn would be happy to meet with you about your oral care. Contact us today in Cherry Hill, NJ to learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Donn. During the consultation, expect an examination of your oral health, and a freedom to ask any questions you may have about the dental implant process. Dr. Donn will also help you determine if dental implants are the right path for you and your smile.