Dental Implants – Who is a Candidate? Dental implants are an incredible restorative solution for replacing missing teeth. This treatment involves the surgical placement of small titanium posts into your jawbone. After placement, your bone gradually fuses to the posts, integrating them into the bone. They become replacement roots that provide support for your replacement teeth. At Harmony Dental, we provide dental implants to meet many needs. To receive dental implants, however, a consultation is needed. Plus, we can determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.You are Missing TeethDental implants are a solution for replacing missing teeth. You can lose teeth for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include gum disease, facial trauma, and severe tooth decay. In some cases, the teeth fall out on their own. In other cases, teeth may need to be extracted. Dental implants can provide a replacement in many different types of situations. They are also an incredibly versatile treatment. They can be used to replace an individual tooth, several teeth, or even an entire arch. You are in Good Oral and Overall HealthImplants require surgery. To undergo regular or sedation surgery, you need to be in good health. Any existing oral health issues, such as cavities and gum disease, need to be treated first. Any health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease need to be well-managed. These issues, when left untreated, can lead to serious complications during treatment, as well as during recovery, which can lead to infections and implant failure. Even if you are healthy and cleared to undergo surgery, illnesses like a cold may mean that your procedure needs to be pushed back until you are better again. You Do Not Use Tobacco ProductsSmoking cigarettes or using other types of tobacco products can cause serious complications both during surgery as well as during your recovery. Chemicals in tobacco products can slow your blood flow, which can slow the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients to your healing gums. They can also interfere with your immune system. These issues can slow your healing, which then greatly increases your risk of developing infections. The act of smoking can also dislodge clots at surgical sites, which can allow bacteria into the wounds and increase your infection risk. The Importance of Your JawboneDental implants rely on your jawbone for success. After they have been placed, the bone fuses to them, turning them into strong, stable roots that provide support for your replacement teeth. For this fusion, or osseointegration, to take place, you need to have sufficient bone mass in your jaw. After tooth loss, however, your bone begins to weaken. If you have lost too much bone mass, your jawbone may not be able to fuse properly, resulting in weak posts and implant failure. The loss of bone mass does not automatically disqualify you from dental implants though. We can help to make treatment possible with a bone graft first. Is Age a Factor?Many older patients tend to think that they are simply too old to receive dental implants. The truth, however, is that you are never too old to receive dental implants. As long as you meet other requirements, it does not matter if you are 30 or if you are 75. Implants provide the same benefits regardless of your age. We can determine if they are right for you. Dental implants provide several significant benefits over traditional treatment options. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Harmony Dental at (541) 246-3250 today. |
 Office Hours:Mon: 8am – 4:30pm Tue: 8am – 4:30pm Wed: 8am – 4:30pm Thu: 7:30am – 3:30pm Fri: By Appointment |
