Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Almost anyone can be a candidate for dental implants; the main differences between patients have to do with how much prep work must be completed prior to implant placement. When a tooth is lost, underlying bone begins to dissolve, and sufficient bone is required to securely hold an implant in place.

Jim S.

"I had ugly teeth for years and I was ready for a smile."

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Who can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants can benefit people of all ages and walks of life. Candidates include:

• Young adults who have suffered a tooth loss due to decay, disease, or injury
• Men and women seeking to improve their smile by fixing a missing or broken tooth
• Seniors who are partially or completely edentulous (toothless)

A dental implant provides a complete, natural looking restoration that can last a lifetime.

Dental Implant Options

Dental implants are the preferred option for tooth replacement for the following reasons:

• They can be used to replace any individual tooth or series of teeth
• They can also be used to support bridgework or dentures
• They prevent the loss of bone in the jaw, preserving the facial structure
• They can last the rest of a patient’s lifetime if cared for properly

The Dental Implant Process

There are several different options when it comes to dental implants. Dr. Gross will make a recommendation depending on what teeth are being replaced, why they need replacing, and how long it has been since they first needed to be replaced. You may require:

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A single implant. This is normally the choice when a single tooth has been irretrievably damaged due to trauma, disease, or decay or has been lost. Ideally, a dental implant will be done as soon after a tooth loss or an extraction as possible while the bone is still in good condition.

Multiple implants. If several teeth have been lost, individual implants may be the best option – especially if the missing teeth are in different sectors of the mouth. Implants in upper arches may require work to be done around the sinus cavity to ensure a solid implantation.

Implant supported bridgework. Unlike traditional bridges, which are secured to adjacent teeth, implant supported bridges prevent bone loss in the place left by missing teeth and don’t cause damage to the teeth next to the gaps.

Implant supported dentures. Finally, full upper or lower dentures or both can be supported by four or six implants in the jawbone. This is cost effective for completely edentulous patients and removes the need for constant revising of dentures due to bone loss.

For more information about our practice or to request an office tour, contact our Salina, KS, dental office at 785-201-1137 or book a consult or an appointment online here.