Am I a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

If you are missing a tooth or a few teeth, you may be looking for a solution that allows you to chew, talk, and smile just as you would with all your natural teeth. There are options for people missing teeth, and one of those options (often the best) is dental implants.

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root that is drilled into the jaw, and an artificial tooth is fixed onto that root. There are different types of implants, and depending on the reason for tooth loss, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. If you’re not sure, call us today at (850) 542-4428 to schedule a free consultation!

Where are dental implants placed?

There are two different kinds of implants: One that goes into your jawbone, and one that is placed on the jawbone.

• Endosteal – The most common type of implant is endosteal, which are inserted into the bone using screws or blades. The artificial teeth are then placed onto the screws. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, endosteal implants are best for individuals looking to replace their dentures or bridges. Dentures and bridges are removable and can move around in the mouth, while implants are stable and act as a complete replacement for a natural tooth.
• Subperiosteal – These implants, metal posts, are just placed on top of the jawbone. The posts stick up through the gum and hold the artificial tooth. Subperiosteal implants are best for people who are unable to wear dentures and don’t have very thick bone. However, these type of dental implant’s aren’t used that often. They are best for people who cannot have any kind of bone graft procedure associated with endosteal implants.

Can I just replace one tooth with an implant? What about all my teeth?

One reason implants are so popular is because they can solve a number of periodontal dilemmas. If you got one tooth knocked out by an errant baseball, an implant can replace it. If you are missing all your teeth on the bottom due to decay, they can be replaced with a full implant denture.

Do I have to be in perfect health to get implants?

One of the key factors when considering if you are healthy enough to get dental implants is actually jaw bone support. Can it hold up the implant, particularly if you are getting an endosteal implant? Having healthy gum tissue is also integral in maintaining the integrity and strength of the implant. If you’re not sure if you fit into this category or not, call us today at (850) 542-4428 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Djuric, who specializes in implant dentistry.