Dental Implants to Boost Your Oral Health in the New Year!

One of the key themes of any New Year’s resolution list is to make improvements. If you’ve been living with any number of teeth missing, then having them replaced with dental implants will make a huge impact on your life. With the year just getting underway, this is the optimal time to have the procedure done, but why? Continue reading to get the answer and to find out what dental implantation involves.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once placed, the implant will fuse with the existing bone over a period of six to nine months. This time will allow for sufficient healing.

The next step will be the placement of an abutment, which is typically made of titanium as well. It will serve as an anchor, allowing a final restoration (crown, bridge or denture) to be securely attached.

Why Now is the Time to Start

When it comes to filling in a smile gap, there is no time like the present. Prolonged tooth loss can eventually encourage the surrounding teeth to shift. This can lead to problems with the teeth occluding (meeting) properly. Furthermore, it can encourage infection and make performing dental hygiene difficult.

To make matters worse, it’s hard to properly chew and digest food with teeth missing. Because of this, many people have to forego eating some of their favorite foods. But replacing missing teeth is about more than just functionality.

It’s Time for a Confidence Boost

Everyone desires to have a nice smile. When teeth are missing, there is a natural hesitance to grin. That means family gatherings and other special events, where photos are taken, can become a source of angst.

With the placement of implants, there is a chance to regain the confidence and fervor for life that was once there. And by acting now, you could achieve a revamped smile before the year ends.

Qualifying for Dental Implants

Dental implantation has a 95% success rate. This is greatly attributed to the fact that dentists carefully determine eligibility before proceeding. Here are some of the requirements:

• Sufficient Oral Health – Any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues will need to be addressed before having implants placed.
• Adequate Jawbone Density – There must be enough jawbone density for the implant to seat properly. If there isn’t, the dentist may suggest bone grafting to build up the treatment site.
• Teeth Extraction – If a full mouth reconstruction is to be performed, any remaining teeth may need to be extracted before moving forward with dental implantation.

At the initial consultation, these details will be ironed out, and the dentist will explain what is needed for a successful procedure. Taking action now can result in a healthy, functional and complete smile, and contribute to a productive and fulfilling year!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his dental degree from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. He has received additional training at the renowned Misch International Implant Institute, where he learned how to place and restore dental implants. Dr. Kendrick replaces missing teeth and creates beautiful smiles with dental implants at Midwest Dental Center. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.