Missing teeth can lead to a variety of other dental problems. From shifting teeth to jaw pain caused by malocclusion, not getting a missing tooth treated can be uncomfortable and detrimental to your oral health. Dental implants in Frederick, MD, can help patients restore their missing teeth, improving their bites and their smiles. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. After examining your bite, your dentist can determine if dental implants are right for you.
Who Can Get Dental Implants in Frederick, MD?
Implants are considered to be one of the best replacement options for missing teeth, but they aren’t for everyone. If your mouth isn’t healthy or strong enough to support an implant, then the implant could fail and fall out, leading to worsening damage. Here are the qualifications you’ll need if you’re considering dental implants.
Healthy Gums
If you suffer from gum disease, getting an implant can be both painful and dangerous. Diseased gums aren’t generally strong enough to support an implant, and the bacteria can spread to the restoration, causing a host of issues. For patients who do have gum disease, dental implants may still be an option following successful periodontal therapy.
Jaw Bone Density
Dental implants are surgically placed into your jaw, mimicking the natural root structure of a tooth. If you have suffered bone loss due to a missing or extracted tooth, there may not be enough stability for the implant to integrate properly. In this case, patients may still be able to receive dental implant treatment after a bone grafting appointment.
Non-Smoking
Smoking can negatively affect your oral health in many ways, and it’s a leading factor in why an implant could fail. It’s crucial that you stop smoking before getting a dental implant and at least stay away from smoking during the healing and restoration process. Not smoking is key if you want your restorations to last long and stay healthy.
Alternate Treatments
If dental implants aren’t available for treatment, there are still ways you can replace missing teeth. Your dentist may recommend one of the following treatment plans depending on the location and quantity of missing teeth.
A crown-supported bridge uses neighboring teeth to support fabricated teeth between them. The supporting teeth have crowns added to them to help protect them from damage and provide additional stability to your bite.
A partial denture can be a more cost-effective method for missing teeth. This removable oral appliance adheres to your gums with the help of a special paste. Although not as strong and durable as a bridge, a partial denture can still help improve your bite and restore your smile.
If you’re missing one or multiple teeth, Frederick Center for Dentistry is here to help. Call us today at 301-264-5680 to schedule your consultation and see if dental implants are right for you. If not, your dentist can recommend a personalized treatment plan that can help restore missing teeth.