Dental implants have earned the honor of “gold standard in tooth replacement” by delivering the most stable, natural-feeling, and longest-lasting alternative to natural teeth. In replacing the functionality and feel of dental roots, implants offer functional and aesthetic benefits unrivaled by any other tooth replacement solution. In the process, they restore a natural, confident appearance and a robust bite, while also facilitating proper oral hygiene at home.
Today, we’re examining these tiny titanium miracles, assessing their most significant benefits, and highlighting the factors that determine dental implant candidacy.
A Spectacular Solution: Dental Implants’ Biggest Benefits
Among the awesome array of advantages that place dental implants head and shoulders above other tooth replacement options, here are the most significant:
- Natural feel and function — By perfectly (more or less) replicating the function of natural dental roots, implants fully restore biting, chewing, and speech functions and elevate self-confidence, improving quality of life in the process.
- Jawbone preservation — Implants provide stimulation necessary to preserve jawbone density—and, as a result, a person’s natural facial structure—both of which can deteriorate with untreated tooth loss.
- Support for remaining teeth — Implants keep the teeth around the site of a lost tooth from overcrowding or shifting out of alignment.
- Durability — With diligent at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits, dental implants usually last decades — if not forever!
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
An unfortunate reality is that not every patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants. An individual’s implant candidacy depends on certain factors, the most important of which are:
- Bone density — An individual must have a jawbone that is fully developed and robust enough to support an implant.
- Gum health — Suitable implant candidates must have strong, healthy gums that are not suffering from periodontal (gum) disease.
- Overall health — Systemic health issues, like uncontrolled diabetes, affect healing.
- Lifestyle — Habits like smoking, using smokeless tobacco products, and biting your fingernails can adversely impact implant success.
A thorough evaluation by a dental professional, including imaging and a review of medical history, is essential to determine suitability for the procedure.
Easy and Effective Dental Implant Placement in Annapolis, MD
If you're looking for a dentist in Annapolis to expertly guide you through the restorative process of dental implants, from initial consultation through aftercare, contact Dr. Keith Polizois and the friendly and skilled Chesapeake Bay Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!