08
May
Do I Qualify for Dental Implants? Insights from A Dental & Denture
Dental implants in Seattle, Washington, offer a revolutionary solution for those missing one or multiple teeth. They provide a sturdy foundation for your new teeth and offer life-changing benefits like jawbone preservation, durability, and enhanced oral function. A Dental & Denture is committed to providing you with the best dental care. Visit our office today and rediscover your beautiful, fully functional smile with high-quality dental implants.
How do dental implants replace missing teeth?
When a tooth is lost, it’s not only the visible part—the crown—that disappears. You also lose the root, which provides stability and jawbone stimulation. Dental bridges and dentures are effective teeth replacements, but they only replace the crown part of your teeth. Dental implants offer a more complete solution by replacing the entire tooth alongside its root.
The titanium post is what makes dental implants unique. This biocompatible fixture is surgically placed in the jawbone to form the root part of your new tooth (teeth). It fuses with the jawbone over time, creating a rock-solid foundation that rivals the stability of natural teeth. A dental implant can be completed with a crown, denture, or bridge customized to look and function like your natural teeth.
Who is the right candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants have transformed millions of smiles globally, but not everyone is a candidate. Many factors are considered to determine your eligibility for implants, but these are the most important ones.
- Age: Age matters, but not in the way you think. While many adults worry they might be “too old” for dental implants, the real concern is actually being too young. Dental implants thrive in a fully matured jawbone, which doesn’t happen until you are around age 20. Placing dental implants in a still-developing jawbone may result in implant misalignment or failure later in life. The good news? There’s no upper age limit for dental implants. So, you are never too old for dental implants, meaning you are eligible for implants in your 60s, 70s, or even 90s.
- Jawbone foundation: Dental implants use the jawbone as the foundation. The titanium fixture is embedded in the jawbone and fuses (biointegrates) with the bone during healing. However, this process can only be successful if you have a strong, healthy jawbone. Most patients have a healthy jawbone, but those with prolonged tooth loss experience severe jawbone deterioration. If you have jawbone loss, it doesn’t mean you don’t qualify for dental implants. Bone grafting can help rebuild lost bone tissue to make you eligible for implants.
- State of your health: Dental implants flourish in a healthy environment. So, you must be in good oral health (free of gum infection and tooth decay) before dental implants. Your overall health matters, too. Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, etc., can affect implant surgery. These health conditions don’t rule you out from dental implants, but you must inform your dentist to tailor your treatment.
If you are eligible for dental implants, it doesn’t mean you can’t restore your smile. Dentures and bridges also offer practical solutions for tooth replacement.
Am I the right candidate for dental implants?
The only way to determine your implant eligibility is by consulting a qualified dentist. A Dental & Denture provides full-service dental implant services in Seattle, WA. Call (206) 445-0030 to book your visit!
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Angelica P. Summer, DPD, has been a Licensed Denturist in Seattle, Washington, since 1996. She has owned and operated A Dental and Denture in North Seattle since 1999. She completed her education at the University of the East and specializes in creating all types of dentures while you wait. Angelica is an active member of the Washington Denturist Association, National Denturist Association, and International Federation of Denturists.
Fawaz Hatem, BDS, MSD, is an Oral Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Baghdad, Iraq, and obtained a Master’s degree from the UW School of Dentistry and further training from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hatem has specialized training in Invisalign orthodontic treatment, sleep dentistry, teeth whitening, and administering Botox and dermal filler injections to enhance facial aesthetics and relieve TMJ symptoms. He is proficient in Arabic and English.
Dental Implant Specialist Kevin La, DDS, received his doctorate from UCLA School of Dentistry and his postgraduate qualification – an AEGD certificate – from the UPenn School of Dental Medicine. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and is now a mentor for Associate Fellow Candidates. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry. The latter designation is the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Dr. La serves as a mentor in study clubs and implant training courses. He is now in the teaching faculty at the Pacific Implant Academy (PIA) and co-director for the PIA Implant Live Surgery Course in Tijuana, Mexico.
All providers have years of experience and expertise in their respective areas and are focused on continuing education to provide the best services for their patients. They aim to bring beautiful, healthy smiles to everyone in Seattle, WA.