Have you been thinking about replacing the teeth you have lost with dental implants? What is causing you to wait? In many cases, we find that patients are worried about their not-so-great jaw health because they know it may affect their candidacy for implant placement. The bad news is that by avoiding a consultation, your jawbone may worsen and you will not have a plan for restoring your smile. The good news is that we offer a variety of options – including one solution that may greatly improve your ability to receive implants (even if your jawbone is not currently in satisfactory condition).
How Do You Determine Candidacy?
We will begin by examining your smile and overall oral health, while taking a close look at your jaw health. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants require a healthy, full jawbone for placement. Your exam will include the use of digital X-rays for a detailed look.
Why Don’t I Qualify For Implants?
It’s possible that you don’t qualify for dental implants because of jawbone deterioration. This is common to patients who have suffered from issues like periodontal disease or severe tooth loss, which leads to the loss of jawbone tissue. If you don’t qualify during your initial consultation, we may offer you alternatives to implants or we may suggest bone grafting.
How Bone Grafting May Help
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which you receive additional bone tissue grafted onto the area of your jaw that requires improved structure. Depending on the particular treatment, this may simply restore the tissue or promote regeneration. If successful, your stronger, fuller jawbone will then qualify you for dental implants.
