Encinitas Periodontist Answers: Are Dental Implants Right for You?

The short answer is often yes, dental implants are a great choice for restoring your smile after tooth loss. Nevertheless, like all dental treatments, and like any surgery, there are considerations that you must take into account before you are ready for dental implant placement. Your Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, helps you determine if dental implants are the right choice for you by asking a few questions that you should ask yourself concerning your tooth-loss situation.

How many teeth have you lost?

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing your appropriate replacement teeth is how many teeth you’ve lost and their exact position in your smile. However, regardless of how many teeth you’ve lost and where they were once located, one or more dental implants can offer your dental crown, partial, or full denture support that make your natural healthy teeth formidable—a foundation embedded within your jawbone.

What caused your tooth loss?

There are a number of ways to lose a tooth, from accidental trauma to severe gum disease, and the exact cause of your tooth loss can impact your immediate eligibility for dental implant placement. For instance, if gum disease has wreaked enough damage to your gums and jawbone to cause tooth loss, then your jawbone may not be sufficient to support implants and could require a jawbone graft. Also, Dr. Kania will have to bring your gum disease completely under control to ensure that infection doesn’t compromise your dental implant prosthetics.

How long do you want your replacement teeth to last?

The beauty of dental implants is that, once embedded and fused to your jawbone, your prosthetic tooth roots can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. While you’re dental crown or denture may need replacement after several years of use, the implanted roots can remain a part of your healthy oral structures and can serve as anchors for your new prosthetic, as well.

Find Out More About Dental Implants from Your Encinitas Periodontist

If you’ve lost one or more teeth and are contemplating dental implants, or if you’re wondering how to improve your current traditional replacement teeth, then seek the expertise of your Encinitas periodontist. You can contact Dr. Kania by calling our office at (760) 642-0711. Located in the 92024 area, we proudly serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.