Every year, more than a half million people opt for dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, according to data from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. That’s in addition to the millions of men and women who’ve already had implant surgery. Dental implants are popular for lots of reasons: For starters, they’re more comfortable, more natural-looking, and easier to care for than dentures or bridges.
Led by Brandon Kang, DDS, and Matt Chroust, DDS, MD, Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center uses the most advanced dental implant surgery techniques to ensure as many people as possible can reap all the benefits implants have to offer. Here’s how to tell if implants might be right for you.
Dental implants are anchored into your jaw bone, so it’s important that those bones are healthy, strong, and sound. If your jaw bone is thin or weakened, we can perform a bone graft in the area to supplement the existing bone so your jaws are strong enough to support the implant. Grafting is performed before your surgery to give the new bone tissue time to fuse with your existing bone.
Even though your implant isn’t a “real” tooth, it can still be affected by gum disease. If you have significant gum disease, you’ll probably need to have that treated prior to your implant. It’s also vitally important to visit us for regular cleanings to make sure your gums stay healthy and your implants remain in good shape.
Most people are good candidates for implant surgery, but some medical conditions and treatments can interfere with a good outcome. These include things like radiation to your face or jaw, uncontrolled diabetes, and some types of cancer. If your immune system is suppressed or you take drugs that can interfere with healing or immunity, you might not be an ideal candidate, either.
Because they’re attached directly to your jaw bone, dental implants should only be used in people whose jaws have stopped growing. Jaw bone growth typically stops by the time you’re in your late teens or early 20s.
Both smoking and alcohol consumption can wind up impairing your ability to heal after implant surgery, sometimes significantly. Plus, these habits can contribute to other oral health problems that could have a poor impact on your long-term outcome. Quitting smoking and drinking only in moderation can help you get the best results from your implant surgery — and improve your overall wellness too.
Not sure if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? A consultation and exam are the best ways to know for sure. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic scanning techniques to “see” inside your jaws so we can evaluate the strength of your jaw bone. Plus, we perform other exams and medical reviews to ensure you’ll enjoy great results.
We have offices in both Oakland and San Francisco, California. To schedule your consultation and evaluation, call the location most convenient for you or request an appointment online today.
