Dental implants replace missing teeth and their roots to restore a patient’s mouth function and his or her self-confidence. As an alternative to removable dental devices, implant-based restorations provide stability and prosthetic teeth that look and feel natural. At Fresno Dental Studio, we are ready to help you replace your missing teeth with dental implants and regain the abilities and confidence that a full smile offer. Call (559) 297-1294 to schedule a consultation regarding dental implants with Dr. Denes today.
Oral and Overall Health
Patients with good oral health can receive dental implants soon after consultation and digital planning. Patients who have gum disease or lack bone density will need treatments to become suitable candidates for implant-based restorations.
Gum Disease Treatments
Patients who have lost teeth because of gum disease will require periodontal care to regain gum health before dental implant surgery. These treatments can include:
- Scaling and root planing
- To mitigate discomfort during the procedure, you will receive local anesthesia. A dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar off the teeth and root surfaces by scaling and smoothing roughness on the surfaces to prevent future bacteria buildup. The gums will reattach to the cleaned teeth.
- Pocket reduction
- If the gum tissue does not fit around the tooth properly post-scaling and planing, the dentist will remove infectious bacteria and smooth areas of the bone to allow gum tissue to attach to it.
- Gum grafts
- Exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession can be covered with gum grafts to reduce sensitivity and protect the tooth from decay.
- Continued maintenance
- After periodontal treatments, brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash will help keep gum disease from re-occurring.
Bone Loss or Density Issues
Immediately following the loss of a tooth, the jawbone begins to lose mass. Without the tooth and its root in the jawbone, the body fails to send minerals and nutrients due to lack of stimulation. The jawbone beings to weaken continuously over time. To receive and support implants, a jawbone must be healthy and strong. Some patients who have lived without teeth for an extended time might need bone grafting for the jawbone to regenerate mass and become sturdy enough for implant placement.
The bone grafting procedure involves placing biocompatible graft material into the jawbone location that needs to regenerate mass. After healing and growth, Dr. Denes will re-examine the bone to determine whether it can receive and support implants.
Medical Conditions
Illnesses that might affect your ability to heal and your jawbone’s ability to accept implants will also affect your candidacy for implants. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer treatment will also affect whether you will need treatments prior to implant surgery. Fortunately, these medical conditions are treatable and manageable to prepare for implants.
Plan for Dental Implants
Understanding that dental implants are a time, habit, and financial commitment will make the process easier. The timeline for osseointegration and final placement of permanent prosthesis also varies from person to person. Candidates for dental implants should know that the implant process can take from four months to a year. Dental implants require a lifestyle change that includes consistent aftercare to keep your implants from failing, which includes cleaning with special tools in addition to daily brushing and flossing. With implant-based restorations such as bridges and dentures, patients will need to use a water pik or other tools that will help them clean around their dental prosthesis to avoid gum disease and other oral health issues. Lastly, the upfront cost of dental implants, ranging from a single dental implant to a full mouth restoration can seem expensive, but is worth it in the long-term, as implants are permanent, durable, and restore mouth function.
At Fresno Dental Studio, we look forward to helping you with your dental implant needs and answering your questions. Call to (559) 297-1295 to schedule an appointment today.