Just what is a dental implant? A dental implant is an oral prosthetic used to replace a missing tooth caused by tooth decay or has fallen out due to sustained trauma. At Tennessee River Dental, Dr. Ken Randall will use the implant to permanently replace those missing teeth.
So, are you an ideal candidate for dental implants? Before talking to Dr. Randall about this procedure you might want to learn a little about it and see if you are a good candidate for implants.
Good Health
Just like all surgery, dental implants have a higher chance of success if your oral health is up to par. Of course, if it’s not we do offer other corrective and restorative procedures to prep your mouth for the implant procedure. This means that prior to surgery any oral health problems must be treated.
Here is some prerequisite before undergoing the procedure:
- Gum disease and tooth decay cannot be present. If you are suffering from either of these problems, then we should treat these first before continuing with the dental
implant treatment. These types of medical conditions may decrease a person’s suitability for the implants.
- If you are undergoing chemotherapy, then it is not a good idea to undergo this surgery. This is because when you receive radiation and chemotherapy your body’s immune system is compromised and you will not be able to heal properly. You will also be more prone to infection.
- Patients who have diabetes are also not good candidates for dental implants. The healing process may take too long and the risk of infection is too great.
- People suffering from osteoporosis are also not good candidates for the surgery. This is because osteoporosis leads to bone density loss and for this procedure to be successful there must be enough bone density. Although bone grafting is possible and is carried out in some cases, it is not advisable in patients suffering from osteoporosis.
If you are not suffering from any of the above conditions, then you might be a good candidate for dental implants. At your consultation it is important that you disclose to Dr. Randall any medications you are taking, this also includes supplements.
This is important as you will be under anesthesia while the surgery is being carried out. Having good communication with Dr. Randall is the best way for the surgery to go well. Contact us today at our offices located in Chattanooga, Tennessee to schedule an appointment with Dr. Randall.