301 Trophy Branch Dr., Suite 100, Trophy Club, TX 76262 817-678-7395

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Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an incredibly popular treatment used to replace missing teeth. It is a modern alternative to traditional bridges and dentures, using small titanium posts to provide support for your replacement teeth. The posts are surgically implanted into your jaw. Here, your bone fuses to the posts, integrating them into your jaw and turning them into strong, stable roots that anchor your replacement teeth firmly in place. Dental implants have a very high rate of success. Even so, a consultation is needed to determine if they are the right solution for you. David Crumpton, DDS can help.

Missing Teeth

Dental implants are a solution for missing teeth. They are an incredibly versatile treatment that can be used to replace a single tooth, several consecutive teeth, or a full arch. There is an implant solution to meet just about every need. Common types of implants include:

•	Single tooth implants. This treatment is used to replace an individual tooth. It uses a single post to support a single crown.
•	Multiple teeth implants. A multiple teeth implant replaces two or more consecutive missing teeth. The number of posts required for this treatment varies based on your specific needs.
•	Full arch restorations. A full arch restoration is used to replace an entire arch of teeth. In most cases, the treatment uses 6 to 8 implant posts to support your new teeth.

You are an Adult

There is a common misconception that older adults are simply too old for implants. This could not be farther from the truth. While you can be too young for dental implants, you are never too old. The jaw continues to grow and develop into your late teens to early 20s. Placing an implant in an underdeveloped jawbone can lead to issues later as the jaw continues to change. Once the bone is finished developing, however, implants are an excellent option. No matter how old you are, as long as you meet other requirements, you may be a great candidate for dental implants.

Oral and Overall Health Matters

During your initial consultation, your medical history is discussed. It is important that we know about any health issues you have, including heart disease and diabetes. These conditions, when not well managed, can affect the success of your dental implant treatment. Just because you have these conditions, though, it does not mean you cannot get dental implants. Your conditions first need to be under control.

We also perform a thorough oral examination to determine the presence of cavities and gum disease. If these issues are present, they can significantly increase your risk of developing an infection. They will need to be treated before you can undergo implant surgery.

How Lifestyle Habits Factor In

Using alcohol or tobacco products can have a major impact on the success of dental implants. Alcohol consumption can affect the ability of your blood to clot properly. This can cause bleeding issues. Tobacco products slow your blood flow, limit the amount of oxygen in your blood, and interfere with your immune system. All of these issues can slow your ability to heal and leave you vulnerable to infections. Before you can undergo implant surgery, you will be recommended to quit these habits.

Your Jawbone Can Support the Implant Posts

As a part of your dental exam, we take x-rays of your mouth. These images show us the condition of your jawbone. The strength of your jawbone is important for the success and stability of dental implants. If you have lost too much bone mass, the bone may not be able to fuse properly, or at all, to the posts. If you are missing too much bone mass, we can increase the success of dental implants with a bone graft first.

Dental implants are an incredible option for replacing missing teeth, restoring your smile, the functions of your missing teeth, and your overall quality of life. Call David Crumpton, DDS at 817-678-7395 today to learn more and find out if dental implants are the right solution for you.