Dental implants may be the right solution for you, if:
You Want Natural-Looking, Permanent Teeth
No matter which of our implant solutions you choose, your restoration will be custom-made to blend in perfectly with your smile. Dental implants are also extremely durable and they can last a lifetime with proper care.
You Want Comfort and Convenience
Because they integrate directly with your jawbone and stay securely in place, dental implants are very comfortable to wear and easy to clean. And they function like your natural teeth, allowing you to chew your favorite foods without difficulty.
You care for your dental implants similar to the way you keep your natural teeth healthy — with daily brushing and flossing along with regular checkups from Dr. Klym. Unlike dentures, you won’t have to buy special cleaning products or use messy adhesives to keep your implants in place.
You Want to Protect Your Oral Health
The section of the implant that connects to your jawbone is called the implant fixture. It’s made from titanium, a durable material that naturally bonds with your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration.
When your jawbone fuses with the implant fixture, it’s similar to the way a natural tooth works. This results in remarkable stability and chewing power that you won’t get with any other type of restoration.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that protects your health in addition to restoring your smile. Because they stimulate healthy bone growth, dental implants prevent your jawbone from deteriorating. They also prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, protecting your smile by decreasing your risk of developing gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for dental implants?
Candidacy for dental implants isn’t based on age, so you’re never too old to receive the benefits of dental implant treatment. We only require that patients have sufficient bone density and are healthy enough to safely undergo the procedure. Before your implants procedure, Dr. Klym will perform a thorough dental examination to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
What makes an ideal candidate for dental implants?
When it comes to receiving dental implants, an ideal candidate is a patient with good oral health despite suffering tooth loss. You don’t need to be in perfect oral health, but, standard dental care is necessary for implant treatment to ensure the lasting health of your mouth and gums. Patients must also have sufficient jawbone density to provide a strong base for the implant fixtures, ensuring successful treatment.
Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?
While dental implants are a great way to permanently restore your smile, they’re not for everyone. Dr. Klym may deem you ineligible for dental implants if you have:
- Insufficient jawbone density
- Poor oral health
- Gum disease
- Diabetes or other health concerns
Dr. Klym will discuss how you can improve your candidacy for implants at your initial consultation. He’ll likely recommend a supplemental procedure such as gum or bone grafting to get your oral health back on track.
What if my jawbone isn’t strong enough for dental implants?
If you lack the bone density in your jaw to support dental implants, a supplemental bone grafting procedure may be necessary to ensure the stability of future implants. This treatment can help regenerate lost bone density to provide a sturdy base for the implant fixtures. Most patients take about two weeks to two months to recover from this procedure, though it depends on the condition of their oral health.
Can I receive dental implants if I have gum disease?
Patients with periodontal (gum) disease may be ineligible for implants. This condition weakens the gums and increases the likelihood of tooth loss and other oral health problems. Gums affected by this disease aren’t strong enough to support implant fixtures. You’ll need to seek treatment for your gum disease before attempting to receive dental implants.
How long after tooth extraction can I receive a dental implant?
The typical healing period for tooth extractions is between three and six months. It’s essential to allow your mouth to completely heal before attempting to receive dental implants. Neglecting to do so may result in a failed treatment and other complications.
If I have dentures, can I upgrade to dental implants?
Implant-supported dentures are permanent tooth loss solutions that will never come loose or shift out of place. In most cases, patients can upgrade from dentures to dental implants, but it depends on the condition of their oral health. If you’ve suffered jawbone degradation or gum disease, you may need to undergo a supplemental procedure before you’ll be deemed eligible for implants.