17 Oct 2021
Dental implants are artificial teeth anchored to the jawbone with a titanium screw. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Some people also use implants to replace all their teeth that may have been lost due to decay or injury.
Implants are an alternative to conventional tooth replacement prostheses like bridges or dentures. Compared to these old replacements, implants do a better job of imitating a natural tooth’s look, feel, and function. This makes them the gold standard of care for patients with missing teeth.
However, some patients are not good candidates to receive dental implants in Mississauga. Understanding what it takes to successfully receive one or more dental implants will help you decide if they are right for you.
When Dental Implants Are a Good Option
You can expect good outcomes from a tooth implant procedure if you:
- Have a fully-grown jawbone
- Have enough jawbone to secure the implant screws or can receive a bone graft
- Have healthy gums
- Do not smoke
- Have no health conditions that will affect your bone’s ability to heal itself
- Are prepared for the process to take several months from start to finish
People at Risk of Poor Outcomes with a Dental Implant
Since dental implants do pose some risks, there are some patients for whom they are not a good fit. Implants are not recommended for people with:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Cancer
- Sustained radiation around the jawbone
- Substance abuse problems
Dental implants may also not be suited for people who:
- Take immunosuppressant medications
- Are prone to severe bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Do not regularly practice good oral hygiene
If any of these are applicable to you, you may still be able to receive dental implants. However, you will need to discuss the prospect with your dentist. This will allow you to consider your risk profile and make an informed decision about whether to begin the procedure.
How Do I Know If I Am a Good Candidate for Teeth Implants?
The only way to know for sure if you can receive implants is to book a clinical consultation at your dental office in Mississauga.
During this appointment, the dentist will conduct a thorough inspection of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They may take photos, X-rays, or models of different parts of your mouth. This process aims to determine whether you have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support an implant.
If your dentist decides that you are a good candidate, they may perform additional work during the consultation. This includes:
- Deciding how many implants will need to be placed
- Mapping out where the implant(s) will go
- Determining whether you will need bone grafts to support the implants
All of this information will be recorded in a tentative treatment plan. You can then review this plan to see what your treatment would look like and decide whether you wish to proceed.
Most People Can Expect Good Results
The vast majority of people meet the criteria for a successful dental implant procedure. As long as you have stopped growing and have not suffered extensive bone loss, you will likely meet the qualifications to have an artificial tooth implanted in your mouth.
If you have extensive bone loss, implants may still be an option for you, but you will need to get bone grafts done first. These grafts will build up your jawbone and ensure that the titanium implant screws can be properly anchored in place. Getting an implant in an area with degraded bone can help stop bone loss from progressing, making this an attractive option.
Visit Us for the Best Dental Implants in Mississauga
If you have ever felt self-conscious about your missing tooth or had trouble eating or speaking, it is time for a change. Dr. Tousi and the team at Trillium Smile Dentistry have years of experience installing top-of-the-line dental implants for patients in Mississauga and the surrounding region. Call us today at 905-828-9894 or book an appointment online to see if dental implants are the right tooth replacement solution for you.
Also Read: A Complete Guide to Dental Implants