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Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you have several options these days. One of the most popular options today is dental implants. This treatment uses small titanium posts, which are surgically placed into your jawbone, to provide support for your replacement teeth. Implants can be used in many different situations, and provide you with a long-term, even permanent, solution to tooth loss. West End Dental can help to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.Are You Missing Teeth?Dental implants are a treatment used to replace missing teeth. They provide you with an alternative to bridges and dentures. Implants are a versatile treatment that can be used in many different situations and can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. Implants may also be discussed as an option if you are not missing teeth yet, but you need to undergo a tooth extraction. Are You Healthy?To place dental implants, you need to undergo a surgical procedure. To undergo surgery, you need to be in good health. Before receiving dental implants, we provide you with a thorough oral examination. We check your mouth over for gum disease and cavities. These issues need to be treated before implant placement. We also go over your medical history. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can interfere with your surgery and your ability to heal properly. To receive implants, any chronic conditions will need to be under control. Do You Drink or Smoke?Lifestyle habits like drinking and using tobacco products can interfere with surgery as well as your ability to heal. Alcohol can prevent your blood from clotting properly. Smoking and other tobacco products limit oxygen in your blood and slow your blood flow. This slows the delivery of essential nutrients to your jaw, which can significantly slow your ability to heal. If healing is slowed, your risk of infection increases. Smoking can also cause clots to become dislodged, which can then leave an open wound for bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Infections increase your risk for implant failure. If you smoke or drink, you will be recommended to quit before undergoing implant surgery. If you cannot quit for good, it is highly recommended that you cease these habits just before your surgery and do not resume them until after you have fully healed. The Condition of Your Jawbone MattersDental implants rely on your jawbone for stability. Your bone fuses to the posts, turning them into stable replacement roots that hold your new teeth securely in place. Bone loss in the jaw is a natural consequence of tooth loss. If too much bone is lost, the jaw will not be able to fuse properly, which results in unstable posts and increases your risk for implant failure. If you do not have enough bone mass when you receive your initial consultation, you may be recommended for a bone graft. If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, you may be recommended for an alternative treatment, such as All-on-4, which provides you with implants without the need for a bone graft first. Is it Possible to be Too Old for Dental Implants?Many older patients often think that they are too old to receive dental implants. While you can be too young, you are never too old to enjoy the benefits that dental implants have to offer. So long as you are healthy, you do not smoke or drink, and your jawbone is in good shape, dental implants may be the ideal solution for your tooth replacement needs. Whether you have lost a single tooth or an entire arch, or any number of teeth in between, dental implants may be the solution for you. Call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957 to schedule your consultation. |
WE TREAT OUR PATIENTS WITH RESPECT We believe in educating patients about their treatment options and listening to their questions and concerns.WE BELIEVE IN HEALTHY TEETH FIRST We focus on prevention so that you keep your smile healthy. We provide excellent comfortable care for all procedures.WE'RE HERE FOR YOU! Schedule your visit today for cleaning, treatment, or consultation. |
  
 West End Dental
833 SW 11th Ave Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205   |
