Your Candidacy for Dental Implants
Dental implants are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jaw to replace lost tooth roots. However, patients must be in good overall and oral health, and have sufficient room and bone density to support the metal posts. Dr. Emma Wu places and restores dental implants for patients who have suffered from tooth loss. She can help patients understand their candidacy for dental implants during a thorough consultation.
Dr. Wu can recommend necessary preparatory procedures, treatments, and life changes to help you become eligible for the procedure. She can also suggest alternative treatments to restore your smile if implants are not in your best interest. Our office will work with you to put the cost of implants or any other restorative treatment comfortably in your budget.
Ideal Candidates
Image of man looking x-rays of dental implants Dr. Wu will take digital x-rays and 3D scans to examine the structure and density of your jaw. If she determines that your jaw has deteriorated too much or your sinuses are too low to support implants, she may suggest preparatory procedures, different types of implants and surgery techniques, or alternative treatments to replace missing teeth.
The ideal candidate for implant surgery is in good oral and overall health. Dr. Wu will review your dental and medical history, paying special attention to conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or gum disease. If you suffer from current decay or periodontal issues, you must receive full treatment before implant placement. Smokers will also need to quit before qualifying, and excessive alcohol consumption can exclude you as a candidate, as well.
Preparatory Procedures
If you require more density or room in your jaw to support implants, Dr. Wu may suggest preparatory procedures such as:
- Bone Graft: This procedure is performed on patients who lack density in their jawbone. Bone from the patient’s body or donor tissue is added to the weak area of the jaw. Over time, the natural jawbone fuses with the graft, replacing lost density.
- Sinus Lift: This treatment is for patients who lack sufficient room for implants in the upper jaw. During the procedure, Dr. Wu will add bone from another part of the body or donor tissue to the area of the upper sinus cavity. She gently lifts the sinus membrane and places the bone on the sinus floor to lift the sinus. Natural bone will fuse with the added tissue, providing enough room for implants to be placed underneath.
Each of these surgeries will require time to heal before the doctor can place implants, adding up to nine months to the entire process.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
If Dr. Wu determines that you do not meet the qualifications for dental implants, and preparatory procedures will not restore your candidacy, she may suggest alternative prosthetics. Dental bridges, can replace one or more missing teeth. Alternatively, traditional dentures can replace several teeth or an entire arch without the need for implants.
Find Out If You Qualify
If you have lost teeth and would like to learn more about dental implants as a restoration solution, contact our office today. Our experienced team strives to provide all patients with the best restorative options, and will work with you to restore your smile for optimal results.