Tooth loss is very common, affecting 77 percent of all American adults. If you are one of the 178 million Americans who is missing one or more of their permanent teeth, then you may be a good candidate for dental implants. While dental implants have been around since the 1960s, they are growing more and more popular every single year, with another half million people choosing to get them annually.

A permanent and attractive restoration option for patients who have lost a tooth, dental implants can help you regain your confidence and improve your quality of life. We here at Cane Bay Family Dentistry believe that dental implants are a great option for good candidates for this procedure.

A dental implant is a permanent dental restoration option for patients who have lost one or more teeth. They are surgically placed underneath your gums, directly into your jawbone, allowing them to remain securely in your mouth for your lifetime. They have a remarkably high success rate, at 98 percent, making them an excellent option for many of our patients.

Dental implants are comprised of three main components. The part that is placed directly into your jaw is a titanium screw. We use titanium because your body accepts this metal instead of rejecting it. Your body will build up around and fuse to the titanium post, a process known as osseointegration.

The second part of the implant is called the abutment. This connector piece attaches the titanium post to the third and final part, which is the restoration. The restoration is also called a dental crown, and it is the part of the dental implant that resembles a tooth.

Dental implants are a great option for many different types of patients. Ideal candidates for implants are patients who do not smoke, who are not pregnant and do not have any active infection or gum disease in their mouth. They must also be in good general health and cannot have any active illnesses or uncontrolled diabetes. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you must also have sufficient bone mass in your jaw to be able to support the implant.

However, please know that even if you are not a good candidate for dental implants now, that does not mean that you may not be a good candidate later on. For instance, if you use tobacco products, by stopping them, you may be eligible for dental implants.

Patients who have gum disease can receive treatment for it, and of course, pregnant patients can reconsider implants after they deliver their baby. Diabetic patients who can control their blood glucose may be able to get dental implants, too. Patients who do not have enough bone mass in their jaw may be able to get a bone graft to help them support the implant.

A dental implant can give you an attractive and complete smile that can last you the rest of your life.

For more information about dental implants or to set up an appointment with us here at Cane Bay Family Dentistry to determine if you are a good candidate for them, please give us a call today at (843) 352-4454!