Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Timonium, MD

Dental implants are an incredible modern-day treatment used to replace missing teeth. The treatment uses small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. As you heal, the bone fuses gradually to these posts, stabilizing them within the bone. This process, called osseointegration, turns the posts into new roots that hold your replacement teeth securely in place. Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can meet many needs. Karl Zeren DDS can help to determine if they are the right solution for you.

You Are Missing One Or More Teeth

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. There are several causes of tooth loss, including facial trauma and gum disease. Your teeth might fall out on their own, or they might need to be extracted. No matter if you are missing a single tooth or an entire arch, there are implant solution to meet just about every need.

You Are Healthy

To get dental implants, you need to undergo surgery. To be considered a candidate for surgery, you need to be in good oral and overall health. Before you can get implants, oral health issues like gum disease will need to be treated first. This is essential for reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth and reducing your risk for infections and implant failure.

In addition to being in good oral health, you also need to be in good overall health. If you have existing medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, this information is important. These conditions need to be well managed before you can undergo surgery to reduce your risk for complications during surgery as well as during recovery. Even if you are generally healthy and have been scheduled for surgery, it is important that you call us right away if you develop a fever or other signs of illness. We may need to reschedule your implant surgery, depending upon your symptoms to ensure the best possible results from your treatment.

The Condition Of Your Jawbone Matters

Your implant posts rely on the fusion of your jawbone for success and stability. Following tooth loss, however, your bone begins to weaken. If the bone is too weak, it may not be able to fuse properly to implant posts, which can result in unstable implants and implant failure. During your initial consultation, we can determine if your bone is strong enough to provide the necessary support for dental implants. If your bone is too weak, this does not mean that you cannot receive implants. You may require a bone graft to restore bone mass first.

Does Age Play A Role?

Many older patients think that they are simply too old for dental implants and that their only option is dentures. You are never too old to receive implants. So long as you are in good health and your jawbone is strong enough to support the posts, implants can be just the solution for you. It does not matter if you are in your early 40s or if you are in your 70s. Implants also provide you with the same benefits, regardless of how old you are.

Benefits Of Dental Implants

Implants are incredibly versatile and have many benefits. Dental implants restore the functions of your missing teeth and the quality of your smile. They also help to preserve the integrity of your jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. No matter if you have lost just one tooth, you have lost several, or you have lost an entire arch of teeth, there is a dental implant solution to meet your needs.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, and finding out if dental implants are right for you, call Karl Zeren DDS at (410) 316-6141 today to schedule your appointment.