Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Serving San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado, California

If you are missing teeth due to an accident, congenital defect or decay, you may have considered dental implants. Depending upon the number of teeth that you need to replace, dental implants are considerably more desirable than replacement with permanent bridges or dentures.

The dental implant procedure includes the placement of a titanium screw into the bone of your jaw. This is an artificial root that the bone must then heal around. A porcelain crown is then placed to cover the titanium screw. This makes dental implants a much more durable option than other tooth replacement procedures.

Candidates for Dental Implant Surgery

Candidates for dental implant surgery include:

• Those in good health
• Individuals with healthy gum tissue
• Persons with sufficient bone structure
• Those committed to good oral hygiene

While most individuals would be excellent candidates for tooth replacement via dental implants, some will be less likely to be considered. Some of those who may not be good candidates include smokers, diabetics, or those dental patients taking prescription drugs for things like osteoporosis.

Benefits of Dental Implants

While cost may be your primary concern with dental implants, the following benefits should also play a part in your decision in getting dental implants:

• Aesthetics – Dental implants can create a more natural looking tooth
• Oral hygiene – Dental implants take the same care as a normal set of teeth
• Bone deterioration – Dental implants do not allow bone or gum tissue to shrink

If you are ready to improve the look and functionality of your teeth with dental implants, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Rod Strober at Strober Dental for an initial consultation. We serve the areas of San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado, California.