Common Questions About Dental Implants Candidacy
Question: Who do you recommend these replacements for?
Answer: We suggest them for people who are missing one or more teeth. We can replace a single lost tooth or place multiple dental implants to support a fixed prosthetic, replacing multiple lost teeth at once. Addressing tooth loss protects your smile from misalignment, facial collapse, and jaw joint disorders, such as TMD or bruxism.
Question: Does jawbone density factor into implant placement?
Answer: Yes. You should have enough jawbone tissue to support the implant post, which acts as a new tooth root. However, once you lose a tooth the body suspends the flow of nutrients to the jawbone, causing it to dissolve. The longer you wait to replace missing teeth, the worse the rate of jawbone dentistry loss becomes. Eventually, you may need a bone grafting procedure to qualify for implants.
Question: What if I have periodontal disease?
Answer: If you have advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, you may not qualify for dental implants. The advanced stage of periodontal disease can cause tooth loss or implant failure. However, if you have gingivitis (which can be reversed) or the very early stages of gum disease (which can be managed) then we may be able to discuss placement.
Question: How long will my new tooth last?
Answer: With proper care and attention you can expect your new tooth to last a lifetime. We can discuss ways to better care for your smile, ensuring your new tooth continues to stand firm and restore your smile to full function and beauty.
ABOUT YOUR LIVONIA, MI, DENTIST:
James Stewart, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, MI, as well as Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and the surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.