There are two common reasons that adults lose teeth: Dental decay and gum disease. There are more tooth replacement options than ever before, and dental implants are becoming one of the most popular options. If this type of treatment interests you, consider these three common questions that patients have about dental implants. When you research the topic and discuss it with your dentist, you can make an informed decision about your care.
1. Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Dental implants are for patients who are missing one or more teeth. To be eligible for dental implant placement West Palm Beach FL, a dentist must determine that you have adequate bone levels in your jawbone to support an implant. Those with a history of periodontal disease or complicated tooth extractions may need bone grafting before the dentist can place an implant.
2. How Long Does the Process Take?
From start to finish, the dental implant process typically takes several months because the implant site needs time to heal before the dentist places a permanent restoration on it. Your dentist can give you a temporary appliance to wear so that no one can tell you are missing a tooth. This way, your implant site has time to heal, and you can still smile confidently.
3. Can I Replace All My Teeth With Dental Implants?
While a dentist can place multiple implants in a patient’s mouth, it is rare to replace every tooth with an implant. If the patient is missing all their teeth, the dentist may recommend an implant-supported denture. Some patients may still have natural teeth. In this situation, the dentist can strategically place implants and attach dental bridges to them. This way, the patient can keep the natural, healthy teeth while replacing the missing ones.
To learn more about dental implants and whether they are the right solution for you, set up a consultation with an implant dentist today.