Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Do you have a missing tooth? You’re not alone. 120 million people in the United States have a similar issue. Thankfully, damaged or missing teeth can be repaired with a dental implant procedure. But how do you know if it’s right for you?

When you visit us at Wedgewood Dental in Rolla or Salem, Missouri, Linda K. Westmoreland, DDS can evaluate the condition of your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. 

When you come in for an evaluation, we look at several different factors. You’re a candidate for the procedure if you’re missing a tooth, several teeth, or have severely damaged teeth that need extracting. 

We take an X-ray of your mouth to look at your bone density and examine the health of your teeth and gums. In order to perform the treatment, you need to have a full jawbone strong enough to receive and hold on to the implant. If not, then you need a bone graft. We also make sure you have healthy tissues in your mouth, that you don’t smoke, and that your mouth can endure the healing process. 

If you can’t wear dentures or simply don’t want to, dental implants are a good option. These implants are also a great way to improve any speech issues you might have. Keep in mind, the process of dental implants can take months from beginning to end, so make sure you have the time to commit.

We want you to feel comfortable with the procedure and understand the process before, during, and after. That’s why we explain the steps involved depending on your specific needs. 

We remove your damaged tooth if you have one. Or, if you already have a missing tooth, we prepare your jawbone with grafting, if needed. We then place the implant in your jawbone. After your procedure, your bone takes several months to heal and grow around the implant. The next step includes placing the abutment and putting your artificial tooth on top of it. The entire process can take anywhere between six to eight months. 

To find out if dental implants are right for you, visit us at Wedgewood Dental for a consultation and a comprehensive oral exam so we can customize your treatment.