6 Signs That You May Be a Good Candidate for Dental Implants in Odessa

When you look in the mirror and see gaps in your smile from missing teeth, you know it’s time to replace them. You could get a dental bridge, a partial denture, or dental implants to bring back your teeth’s former function and beauty. You’ve heard that dental implants are the most advanced method, but are you eligible for this option? Keep reading to learn six signs that you may be a good candidate for dental implants in Odessa.

You don’t want to anchor your replacement tooth to healthy teeth.

Bridges and partial dentures alone depend on the surrounding healthy teeth to remain in place. In fact, having a bridge place entails removing healthy structure on two teeth to make space for the abutment crowns. In contrast, dental implants do not affect your remaining teeth.

You want a strong prosthetic solution.

Dentures may give you replacement teeth, but on their own they provide only 20 to 25 percent of the biting force that you used to enjoy with your natural teeth. Although it’s true that bridges are bonded into place, dental implants become firmly integrated with the jaw bone, making them the most secure tooth replacement option. With them, you can bite and chew just as you did before.

You are in good oral health.

In order to qualify for dental implants, you need to be free from infections. Why? The bacteria that cause oral infection, such as gum disease, can prevent your bone and gum tissues from growing around and bonding with the implants. If you are not in good oral health and you try to have dental implants placed, it will end in failure. Luckily, your dentist should make sure that your mouth is healthy enough for dental implants beforehand.

You want permanent tooth replacement.

Dental bridges and dentures alone need to be replaced about every five to ten years. On the other hand, dental implants may never need to be replaced, lasting a lifetime with the proper care.

You have sufficient jaw bone to support implants.

Before a dental implant is placed, your dentist will check to see if you have enough jaw bone to support it. Without sufficient density, your jaw bone may not be able to hold the implant firmly in place. If your jaw bone needs extra reinforcement, you may be able to get a bone graft and increase your odds of successful implant placement.

You want to keep your youthful looks.

On the surface, dentures, bridges, and dental implants can look exactly the same. That’s because dental implants are topped with various custom restorations. However, dental implants are the only replacement solution that also addresses the roots of the missing teeth. As a result, the jaw bone doesn’t deteriorate as it naturally does when you lose teeth and don’t replace the roots. Basically, your face structure can change to look older. The stimulation from the implant allows your jaw bone to retain its shape and you to enjoy your appearance.

In the end, the only way to know whether you are a good candidate for dental implants is to have a consultation with your dentist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, provide your treatment options, and recommend the solution that will best meet your needs and give you successful results. Schedule your consultation today and get on the path toward a fully restored smile!

About the Practice

At Boyles General Dentistry, patients in Odessa, TX benefit from having access to two experienced, talented dentists, who also happen to be father and son. Dr. Franklin Boyles has over four decades of experience and is a Fellow with the Academy of General Dentistry. Having joined the practice in June 2016, Dr. Stephen Boyles is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about their practice, click here or call (432) 685-7011.