Dental implants provide highly beneficial and comprehensive tooth replacement for patients with missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost one, several, or an entire arch of teeth, you can find reliable, secure prosthetic teeth with implants.

Not all patients will be eligible for this type of restorative dental solution. Dr. Heather Adams dentist will need to evaluate the existing dental structure to ensure you can sustain these fixtures. We welcome you yo learn if you’re a good candidate for dental implant treatment in Rogers, AR.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium post. Dr. Adams surgically places this post into your jawbone where your missing tooth used to be. Over several months, your bone fuses to the post. This creates a strong, permanent bond. Once healed, she attaches a custom-made crown on top.

The result is a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? 

Dr. Adams will evaluate several key factors that affect whether you’re a candidate for implants.

1. You Need Enough Healthy Jawbone

This is one of the most important factors. The titanium post needs enough bone to fuse with. If you have been missing a tooth for a long time, your jawbone may have shrunk. This is called bone loss.

Dr. Adams uses X-rays and CBCT scans to evaluate your jawbone. These images show the health and density of your bone. If you have enough bone, you are likely a candidate.

If you do not have enough bone, do not worry. Dr. Adams may recommend a bone graft. This is a simple procedure that builds up the area. It adds a few months to the timeline but makes implants possible for many patients.

2. You Have Healthy Gums

Your gums play a critical role in implant success. Healthy gums provide support and protection for the implant.

If you have gum disease, you may not be a candidate for implants. Gum disease can cause gum recession and damage the tissue. Without support from your gums, your implant could fail.

Dr. Adams will examine your gums during your consultation. If you have gum disease, she will recommend treatment first. Once your gums are healthy, you can move forward with implants.

3. You Are Committed to Good Oral Hygiene

Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. You must brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly.

If you are not willing to maintain good oral hygiene, implants may not be the right choice for you. Plaque and bacteria can build up around the implant. This can lead to peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease that affects the tissue and bone around the implant. Untreated peri-implantitis can cause the implant to fail.

Dr. Adams will discuss your oral hygiene habits during your consultation. She wants to make sure you are ready to care for your new smile.

4. You Are in Good General Health

Most adults with good general health are candidates for implants. Certain health conditions can affect implant success.

First, if your diabetes is well controlled, you may still be a candidate. Uncontrolled diabetes can slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

Smoking restricts blood flow to your gums and bone. This slows healing and increases the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, Dr. Adams may recommend quitting before and after surgery.

Heart conditions or blood disorders may affect your ability to heal. Dr. Adams will review your medical history to make sure implants are safe for you.

5. You Are Willing to Commit to the Process

Dental implant treatment takes time. It is not a one visit procedure. You will need:

• An initial consultation
• Implant placement surgery
• A healing period of three to six months
• A second visit to attach your crown

The ideal candidate understands this process and is patient. They keep the end result in mind. If you are willing to commit to the process, implants can be a life changing solution.

What If I Am Not a Candidate?

If you are not a candidate for dental implants, do not lose hope. There may be other options.

If you have bone loss, a bone graft may help. This procedure builds up the jawbone so it can support an implant.

If you have bone loss and need to replace your upper back teeth, you may need a sinus lift. This adds bone to the area above your sinuses.

If implants are not possible, Dr. Adams may recommend bridges or dentures. These are not permanent like implants, but they can still improve your smile and function.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today

The best way to find out if you’re a good dental implant candidate is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heather Adams. She will evaluate your oral health, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.

Call her office today at (479) 323-3011. You can also schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.