Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Are you living with tooth loss? If so, you should consider a dental implant to restore your smile. No other method of tooth replacement can match the look, feel and function of an implant. What sets apart a dental implant from other treatments in restorative dentistry? The implant screw itself – a titanium post that your implant dentist in Greeneville surgically implants into the jawbone, where it stimulates the supporting bone structure that previously came from the tooth root. A dental implant will not slip or shift like dentures can and is durable enough to last the rest of your life with good oral hygiene. Despite the benefits of dental implants, not everyone is a good candidate to receive a dental implant. Today on the blog, your implant dentists at Tusculum Dental Care explore what qualifies, or does not qualify, someone with missing teeth to get a dental implant.
The checklist for a dental implant
If you’re interested in receiving a dental implant in Jonesborough to restore your smile, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you at least 18 years of age? Tusculum Dental Care will not place an implant in a patient who is not a legal adult.
- Are you in good overall health? This is important so that you have a smooth healing process after the surgical placement of the implant screw.
- Do you smoke? While this is not an immediately disqualifying factor, the nicotine in tobacco hinders the healing process and even could lead to the failure of the implant.
- Are you undergoing radiation treatments? If you’re receiving radiation treatments to the head and neck, we recommend you consider alternative methods of tooth replacement.
- Do you have gum disease? This bacterial infection of the gums needs to be identified and treated before you receive a dental implant. The same goes for any other active oral infection.
- Do you have sufficient bone density? You must have enough jawbone to provide a stable base for the implant. If jawbone density is an issue, Tusculum Dental Care may refer you to an oral surgeon, who can perform a bone graft, sinus lift or ridge expansion to fortify your jawbone before work begins on an implant.
Are dental implants worth it?
In a word … yes! An implant is the ideal method of tooth replacement because it is the only option that provides the stimulation that previously came from the tooth root. This stimulation helps you maintain your facial structure. The stability of the implant also allows you to regain more of your chewing ability, while also restoring your smile.
Is a dental implant right for me?
The only way to answer this question is to schedule a consultation with your implant dentist in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care. During this meeting, our dentist will review your medical and dental history, while also assessing your current overall health. This appointment also is an ideal opportunity for you to answer any questions you might have about the implant process. Tusculum Dental Care is proud to offer implant dentistry to our patients in Greeneville, Jonesborough, Erwin and the surrounding areas in Tennessee. To schedule your consultation, call (423) 639-7575 or visit us online.