Dental implants, the only permanent dental restorations, replace missing or damaged teeth to maintain a healthy mouth. Titanium screws serve as replacement roots linked to dental crowns with connectors known as abutments. Below are answers to common questions about dental implants to help determine if you’re a candidate.

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Who is a candidate?

Most dental patients with missing teeth are implant candidates because the hardware can replace as many missing teeth as necessary. Dentists provide consultations that assess each patient’s candidacy, as healthy gum and bone tissue are necessary to keep the implants in place. If there isn’t enough healthy tissue, the patient will likely undergo gum grafting or a related procedure, assuming they are otherwise healthy.

Pregnant women and people with HIV, uncontrolled diabetes, connective tissue diseases, or hemophilia generally cannot get implants. Those who abuse tobacco, drugs, and alcohol also negatively impact their candidacy.

What does the procedure involve?

Each dental implant procedure varies according to patient needs; however, all involve administering anesthesia and making incisions in the gums to install the titanium screws. It takes up to 12 weeks for the gum tissue to heal, after which the dentist makes more incisions to connect the screws with dental crowns using abutments. Dentists use bite models from each patient’s mouth to create crowns that match the look of any remaining natural teeth.

What advantages will I enjoy?

Dental implants offer restored facial structure, easier chewing, and improved speech. Thy look, feel, and function like real teeth to keep the jawbone and gum tissue stimulated, preventing remaining natural teeth from shifting and causing bite and cleaning issues. Implants also improve self-esteem because they help people smile, eat, and speak with confidence.

How do I keep my implants in top condition?

Treat your implants like regular teeth. Floss between them after brushing to keep plaque from building up along the gumline and hardening into tartar. Enjoy a healthy diet that keeps excess bacteria out of the mouth, drink plenty of water to flush food particles and bacteria, and see your dentist every six months for teeth cleanings and checkups. If your implant feels loose or you experience any other issue, contact your dentist immediately.

Discuss your dental implant candidacy with Augusto S. Fojas, DDS. This dentist has proudly served Columbus, OH, and the surrounding areas since 2002, offering emergency care as well as oral cancer screenings, 3D dental X-rays, in-house orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry services, among others. Call (614) 882-0275 to make an appointment, or learn more about implant services online. Like the practice on Facebook for dental care tips and news.