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Learn More about Your Candidacy for Dental Implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts embedded into the jawbone to replace lost tooth roots. They are recognized as the best way for people with missing teeth to restore function and aesthetics to their smile. Implants can last for a lifetime with proper care, and are also the only method of restoration which helps maintain a healthy jawbone and guard against further tooth loss. To ensure the best results, our surgeons, Drs. Ingalls, Kean, Parker, and Johnson, hold patients to very strict standards before they are approved for the procedure. You can learn more about your candidacy for dental implants during a consultation at our Montgomery practice. Schedule an appointment with us today. 

Determining Your Candidacy

During your initial appointment at our office, your doctor will perform a comprehensive examination to help determine whether you are a good candidate for traditional dental implants. You will discuss your health history, and will need to make our team aware of any existing conditions that could threaten the success of your implants. Smokers, women who are pregnant, or those with immune deficiencies, for example, may be disqualified. In short, good candidates are non-smokers who are generally healthy, and have no periodontal disease. Your doctor will also assess the health of your jawbone at the proposed surgical site, and x-rays and a computed tomography (CT) scan may be used to examine your teeth and jaw. 

Improving Jaw Bone Health

If you have been missing teeth for a number of years, your jaw may have begun to atrophy - a natural reaction as the body receives signals the bone is no longer needed to support a tooth. For an implant to effectively heal, the bone must be strong enough to sustain the force of chewing and other functions. In the past, patients who were not considered good implant candidates due to poor bone health were usually fitted with a bridge or partial denture.

Advancements in oral surgery mean bone grafting is a viable method to improve bone health, allowing a greater number of patients to qualify for implant candidacy. A bone graft strengthens and fortifies a weak or shrunken jawbone by transferring tissue from a donor source or the patient's own body - often harvested from another area of the jaw. During the procedure, the bone is surgically transferred to the treatment site, and our doctors may recommend platelet rich plasma (PRP) to accelerate the healing process and further promote bone growth. Once the graft has fully fused with surrounding bone, your jaw will be ready to receive a dental implant. 

Alternative Treatment Options

Our practice offers a range of implants, meaning patients who do not qualify for traditional implants may still have options other than bone grafting. If you are missing most or all of your teeth, for example, an implant-supported denture can be securely anchored using mini implants. Mini implants are smaller in diameter and can be adequately supported by less dense areas of jawbone. 

Learn More during an Appointment

No one should have to live with a compromised smile, and our team can help restore the healthy, functional bite and beautiful smile you deserve. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your candidacy for dental implants. 
I wish to thank publically Dr. Ingalls and his staff for "going the extra mile" and not only providing great dental care but also helping a fellow human being out of compassion and caring. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for my family member.

RODNEY H.

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