Understanding Dental Implant Surgery
If you’re considering dental implant surgery in Chesapeake, you’re likely looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth. Dental implants provide a permanent, natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures or bridges, and they’re often considered the gold standard in tooth replacement. The procedure involves placing a titanium post into your jawbone, which serves as a new tooth root, followed by a custom restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture. At The Foleck Center, we specialize in dental implant surgery that helps patients achieve healthy, confident smiles.
Below, you’ll learn more about the key factors that will determine if you’re a good candidate for this type of surgery, along with the steps that our team takes to make sure you’re more than satisfied with the results.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. Whereas traditional dentures or bridges would merely sit on the tops of your gums, dental implants are actually anchored to your jaw. The process involves placing a small titanium post into your jaw that will integrate over time and mimic the same function as a normal tooth root. Once that implant has fused with your bone, we’ll cap it with a custom restoration like a crown, bridge, or denture to restore the form and function of the missing tooth.
There are several key benefits to getting dental implants, including:
- Durability that can last a lifetime.
- A natural appearance that mirrors the look and feel of real teeth.
- Improved functionality for actions like chewing (no restrictions like there are for dentures).
- Bone preservation, since implants stimulate your jawbone and can prevent further bone loss (a common issue with missing teeth).
Now that you understand the basics of dental implants, let’s explore what makes someone a good candidate for dental implant surgery in Chesapeake.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implant Surgery in Chesapeake?
Even if you aren’t a good candidate initially, many people are suitable for the procedure with proper planning and care. Dental implant success depends on these factors.
1. Your Oral Health
Before undergoing dental implant surgery in Chesapeake, you must have healthy gums and teeth. Gum disease can affect the healing process and compromise the success of the implant. At The Foleck Center, we’ll thoroughly examine your mouth to see if there are any underlying issues. If necessary, we may recommend treating gum disease before proceeding with dental implant surgery.
2. Sufficient Jawbone Density
For dental implants to be placed successfully, there must be enough jawbone density for attachment. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. If enough time has passed and there isn’t enough bone available to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure may be needed.
At The Foleck Center, we use advanced imaging technology to assess your jawbone’s structure. If it turns out that a portion of it has receded, we’ll discuss the appropriate treatment options.
3. General Health Considerations
While dental implant surgery in Chesapeake is suitable for most patients, certain medical conditions may affect your eligibility. Because diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders can impact healing and increase the risk of post-implant complications, it’s important that you and your dentist discuss any health issues during an implant evaluation.
At The Foleck Center, we’ll carefully review your medical history and work closely with your healthcare provider to make sure that you’re in optimal health before undergoing a procedure.
4. Nonsmoking Patients
Smoking can significantly affect the success of dental implants. It inhibits healing, reduces blood flow to the gums, and increases the risk of infection. If you’re a smoker, we may advise you to quit before undergoing surgery. Patients who refrain from smoking tend to experience better long-term success, but we will discuss what options there to mitigate the risks if you choose to continue the habit.
5. Age and Bone Maturity
The ideal candidate for dental implant surgery in Chesapeake is someone who has fully developed jawbones, which typically occurs in early adulthood. If you’re younger than that, your jaw may not yet be ready for implant placement. Dental implants can still be a great option for older adults as long as the jawbone is in good health and there are no other health concerns.
At The Foleck Center, we tailor our approach to patients of all ages. Whether you’re replacing a single tooth or restoring an entire arch, we’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan that will address your unique needs.
The Dental Implant Consultation
The first step to determining if you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery in Chesapeake is scheduling a consultation with our practice. During this appointment, we’ll conduct a comprehensive examination of your oral health, including X-rays and 3D imaging to assess your bone structure. We’ll also discuss your medical history and review any medications you’re taking to see if they pose potential complications for surgery and recovery.
If you’re found to be a good candidate, we’ll create a plan that outlines every step of the dental implant process. This includes discussing sedation options, recovery timelines, and post-operative care instructions. This way, you’ll feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.
Why Choose The Foleck Center for Dental Implant Surgery in Chesapeake?
Our team has long specialized in dental implant surgery, providing patients with exceptional care by using state-of-the-art technology. We’re proud to offer:
- Experienced Specialists. Our team has the expertise to handle even the most complex cases to ensure smooth, successful outcomes.
- Advanced Technology. We use updated equipment and healthcare best practices to plan and execute dental implant surgery with precision and accuracy.
- Comprehensive Treatments. We’re transparent with you throughout the entire process so that you know how to prepare and feel at ease on the day of your procedure.
If you’re considering dental implant surgery in Chesapeake, trust The Foleck Center to provide you with the highest level of care. We’re here to help you restore your smile and improve your quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you’re ready to learn more about dental implant surgery in Chesapeake and find out if you’re an ideal candidate, we invite you to schedule an online consultation with our expert team or call us directly at 800-800-8000.
