When it comes to dental care and treatments, you have many more choices than just a couple of decades ago.
The Hottest Trend in Dentistry
Dental implants have become a hot topic and for good reasons. As compared to traditional fillings and crowns, dental implants have proven to be more effective in the long run.
While fillings often fall out (typically at the worst time possible), and even crowns may need to be replaced, dental implants tend to last a lifetime.
Dental implants have staying power because of the methodology employed in the treatment process. Normally molded from titanium, the implant is then placed as close as possible to bone. By gaining direct contact to the bone, in time the continuing growth of the bone material will naturally absorb the implant within it.
With the combination of strong titanium and the human skeleton, you simply cannot have a greater bond between a foreign object and your own body.
Many of the top dental implant experts are turning to the X-Guide™ navigation system for accurate and durable placement of implants, and it is proving to be perhaps the very best system for dental implants today.
When to Use a Dental Implant
So how do you know when to use a dental implant?
First off, dental implants are only appropriate for adults. This is because your jawbone has stopped growing. If your body is still within its initial growth stage (through the teenage years), your bones are still pliable. Attempting to place a titanium implant into a growing jawbone will not hold.
Next, your overall dental health is equally important when considering dental implants. Most important is the condition of your gums. Periodontal disease is directly linked to bone loss; therefore, candidates will likely be advised to take care of any gum problems before proceeding.
Not sure if you may be suffering from gum disease? The following can serve as clues that you may early stages of gingivitis or periodontitis:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Hurts to chew foods
- Sensitive or loose teeth
Finally, smokers are not good prospects for dental implants. We have all heard the litany of warnings about the dangers of smoking, but what typically does not hit that list are the dental problems connected to cigarette smoking.
Specifically, studies have been performed that show a direct correlation between smoking and failing dental implants. Also, smokers are more likely to get an infection after surgery and the healing process is much slower.
All these factors discourage smokers from seeking dental implants. More importantly, most qualified dental implant experts will refuse to perform this treatment on smokers.
The ideal dental implant candidate will meet the following criteria:
- Non-smoker - if you are a former smoker, make sure you will not relapse; 6 months is a good time period after quitting.
- Good dental care - flossing and brushing at least twice daily should be your habit; whether or not your need dental implants, this is a good habit to start!
- No hard foods - chewing on peanut brittle, other hard candies, or even ice can damage your teeth; once chipped, your tooth has been weakened.
- Regular dental visits - is another commonsense habit that every person should have; in addition to keeping your teeth healthy, your dentist can catch potential problems that may be building.
Picking the Right Dental Implant Expert
Not all dentists are certified as dental implant experts. For best results, it is highly recommended that you seek out a qualified dental implant expert.
For instance, in Charlotte, North Carolina and its outlying areas, Dr. William Linger is honored to serve his local community and is respected as one of the nation's leading experts in dental implants. Obviously, seeking advice from an expert as to when to use a dental implant is the smartest thing you can do.
Dr. Linger has a earned his Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, an achievement that fewer than 1% of all American dentists gain. With his depth of experience and his understanding of the concerns and needs of his patients, it should come as no surprise that Dr. Linger maintains a busy practice.
Few dentists are so confident of their work as to provide before and after pictures on his website. If you want to learn how you can live a happier and healthier life through expert dental implants, contact Dr. Linger today.
