People who have experienced tooth loss often have to get dental implants to correct the anomaly and stop any discomfort they might feel. Dental implants are medical devices surgically inserted into the jaw to substitute for a missing tooth. Since dental implants look and feel much like real teeth, they can considerably enhance a patient's quality of life. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 500,000 people in the United States receive dental implants every year, so it's clearly a popular procedure. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about dental implants.

What Can You Expect During the Process?

A qualified implant dentist will first review a patient's medical background and address any concerns they might have. They'll also determine whether the patient is actually eligible for dental implants, based on an evaluation of the patient's mouth, gums, and jaw bone. If the patient is deemed eligible, their implant dentist will move forward with scheduling the procedure and explaining how the process works to ease any anxieties.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Since not all patients are good candidates for dental implants, you'll want to ascertain whether your situation is a good match for this procedure. In general, the best candidates for dental implants are those who want a more long-term and robust option than conventional dentures.

Additionally, good candidates will exhibit the following three traits: strong bone density, healthy gums, and good general health.

• Healthy Gums: Dental implants are placed in the gum tissue, so this area must be healthy and disease-free. Your dentist may advise laser gum treatment or root scaling if you exhibit periodontitis to enhance your gum health and make implants a feasible option.
• Strong Bone Density: Healthy gum tissue and strong bone density are equally important during the implant process. Titanium implant screws won't be able to stay in place without adequate bone density. Bone grafting may be an option to help produce new bone that is dense enough for dental implants.
• General Health: Unfortunately, your overall health may make you ineligible for dental implants. Pregnant women, smokers, steroid users, children, and those with chronic conditions may not be good candidates for implants. Lifestyle changes or delaying the procedure may make dental implants a possibility.

How Can I Learn More About Dental Implants?

Once you've been approved for dental implants, you'll probably want to learn more about the procedure. Ask your dentist for resources that detail the entire process of a dental implant procedure to help put your mind at ease. If you still have concerns, you can look for reviews from former, satisfied patients. With the right dentist, your dental implant procedure will be worth it.

Are you looking to speak with an implant dentist about your dental issues? Reach out to us! Borealis Dental Studio has implant dentists with years of experience providing patients with new smiles.