Do you have a restoration like a removable denture but want more support for your smile? Have you considered dental implants but are unsure if they are right for you? Dental implants are dental restorations that secure crowns, bridges, and dentures. We provide dental implants for patients with one or multiple missing teeth in Potsdam, NY. Our office can help you determine if you qualify for implants and if dental implants match your budget and cosmetic goals.
What is Required For Dental Implant Treatment?
You are a good candidate for dental implants if you have:
- Missing Teeth: Implants can restore one or more missing teeth. Whether you have a single knocked-out tooth or full arches of teeth missing, implants can help you restore your smile. We will work with you to determine if you need an implant-secured dental crown, dental bridge, or denture.
- Good Oral Health: We will ensure you are healthy before implant treatment. This means we will examine your smile for signs of decay, gum disease, and other dental problems affecting your oral health. Once you are healthy, we can begin to plan treatment properly.
- Healthy Bone Tissue: An oral surgeon places implant posts into the jaw bone during implant treatment. Over time, the implant posts will fuse with the bone like an artificial tooth root. Sometimes, patients may not have enough bone tissue for implants, especially if they have lost permanent teeth for many years. We can recommend bone grafting treatment or a sinus augmentation if you do not have sufficient bone.
What to Avoid During Dental Implant Treatment
Knowing what you need to do during the implant process can help you understand whether implants are something you’re willing to receive. Dental implants require time to integrate with your smile and heal properly. This healing process can take three to six months. However, healing ensures the implants are permanent and any implant-secured restorations last.
As you receive your dental implants, you need to avoid:
- Smoking and using tobacco products
- Eating hard and crunchy foods
- Using a straw
Tobacco products can actually slow down healing after you receive your implants. Over three to six months after an oral surgeon places the implants, the implant posts must fuse with the natural bone tissue. Tobacco restricts the blood vessels, meaning blood flow does not reach where needed.
Hard and crunchy foods can loosen or damage your implant as it is not secured directly after surgery. Using a straw can also lead to increased bleeding at the surgical sites. After you receive your implant or implants, be careful when eating or drinking. You may want to stick to eating soft foods to help minimize sensitivity and make it simpler to chew after your surgery.
Do you have missing teeth? See if you are a good candidate for dental implants in Potsdam. Call our office for a dental implant consultation today at [new_patient_phone_span]. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Nicholas Gardner online. He will help determine your candidacy for implant treatment.