Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Do you have a missing permanent tooth? This might make you feel awkward or embarrassed, but rest assured, you’re not alone—far from it. Data compiled by the American College of Prosthodontists shows that there are approximately 120 million Americans who have lost at least one of their permanent teeth. You can restore your smile and your self-confidence by receiving a dental implant, which is considered the best method of tooth replacement currently available in dentistry. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Read on for more information that can help you determine if implants are right for you.
Certain pre-existing conditions can disqualify you from receiving a dental implant:
- Gum disease: Your gum tissue needs to be in optimum health before work on an implant procedure begins. Receiving a dental implant is an oral surgery; the implant screw is surgically placed into your jawbone where the lost tooth previously resided. The implant fuses with your bone to provide the most stable tooth replacement available. If you have gum disease at the time an implant is placed, the bacterial infection continues to deteriorate your gums and, in advanced cases, even the supporting bone structure, which may lead to implant failure. Tenaglia Smiles offers a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment for patients living with gum disease in any stage.
- Poor bone density: Bone deterioration is an unfortunate long-term consequence of living with tooth loss. When you lose a permanent tooth, that area of the supporting jawbone no longer receives the constant stimulation from the tooth root. This eventually leads to resorption, as some of that bone is reabsorbed into the body. This can even make it difficult to wear a denture prosthesis in cases of severe tooth loss.
- Smoking: If you smoke, this does not disqualify you automatically from receiving a dental implant. However, smokers are more likely to experience complications during the procedure. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which can hinder your healing process after the implant screw is inserted into the jawbone. Dr. Tenaglia usually recommends that patients who desire implants but also smoke stop smoking at least a few weeks following the installation of the implant.
Get dental implants in Okemos
Before beginning work on any dental implant procedure, your dentist should sit down with you for a consultation. This should include a review of your medical health, as well as an oral health exam. You also need to be sure you are comfortable with your implant dentist. Remember that receiving a dental implant is a form of oral surgery, and all surgeries carry some element of risk. You should choose a dentist with significant experience either in implant procedures, or performing oral surgeries. Dr. Christine Tenaglia has the expertise and experience you want in an implant dentist. If you would like to know if you are a candidate for dental implants, or are looking for an experienced implant dentist in Lansing, schedule your consultation with Tenaglia Smiles.
To schedule an appointment, please call (517) 347-6733. Tenaglia Smiles welcomes patients of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing.