If you’ve been thinking about replacing a missing or broken down tooth, you’ve probably heard about dental implants. They’re often described as the best long-term solution for restoring both function and appearance. However, the right choice of dental care depends on your individual health, needs, and circumstances.
We will walk you through what dental implants are, how they work, and the factors that determine if they’re the right fit for your health, lifestyle, and goals.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that acts like a replacement tooth root, bonding with your natural bone to create a strong, comfortable foundation for your new tooth. Once healed, a custom-made crown is securely attached, giving you a tooth that looks, feels, and works just like your natural tooth. And because dental implants are fixed in place, you can eat, smile, and speak with confidence – no slipping or shifting like with dentures.
Because implants fuse with the bone, they offer a secure and long-lasting solution that also preserves the amount and health of your jawbone over time.
Why People Choose Dental Implants
There are many reasons patients turn to implants, but the most common is the desire for something that feels natural. Dental implants blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and restore full chewing ability. They’re also built to last, often for decades, if cared for properly. What really sets them apart is their ability to stop bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area loses width and height. The longer it goes without a tooth in place, the more challenging it can be to replace later. Dental implants protect your bone quality and amount by keeping it strong and stimulated, just like a natural tooth would.
Should I Get Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants right away, but many people are. A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums and enough quality bone to support the implant. General good health is also important, especially since healing and integration depend on your body’s ability to recover after surgery.
If you’re a non-smoker, or willing to quit smoking, and you’re committed to good oran hygiene, that’s even better. Age is generally not a barrier. In fact, many implant patients are in their 60s, 70s, or older.
We can evaluate your oral and overall health to help you decide if dental implants are a good match for you. Sometimes, additional treatments like bone grafting, sinus lift, or gum therapy may be recommended first.
Some patients are told they are candidates for dental implants. But in reality, it’s very rate for someone to be ineligible. Even if you aren’t ready right now, that doesn’t mean implants are off the table forever. In many cases, a few preparatory steps – such as treating gum disease, improving bone density, or making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, can help you become a great candidate.
What to Expect from the Dental Implant Process
Getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that happens over several months. It begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including radiographs and a CBCT scan to examine your bone structure. If everything looks good, the implant can be placed during a simple surgical procedure, usually with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for comfort. After that, your bone needs time to heal and integrate with the implant. This process usually takes three to six months. Once healed, the custom crown that looks and feels like your natural tooth will be placed by a family dentist. While the process takes a few steps and some healing time, the lasting benefits of a strong, natural tooth replacement are well worth it.
How to Decide if You Want Dental Implants
The best way to know if implants are right for you is to speak with a periodontist who can evaluate your unique situation. They’ll consider your oral health, overall health, lifestyle, and treatment goals to determine the best path forward.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
- Will I need additional procedures?
- How long will treatment take?
- What are the long-term risks and benefits?
- What happens if I postpone a dental implant for years?
Our experienced team will always give you honest, personalized guidance – from your initial decision to have a dental implant through every step of the process – so you can feel confident and informed.
Dental implants can be life-changing. If you’re curious about whether implants are right for you, the first step is a conversation. Give us a call at (262) 327-6100 or contact us today. If you are ready to schedule an examination, you can schedule your appointment online.