Are You a Good Fit for Dental Implants?
Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, offering a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this innovative procedure. At Ambis Dental in Ithaca, NY, we’re committed to helping you understand if dental implants are the right choice for your oral health needs.
Dental implant candidacy depends on various factors, including overall health, oral hygiene, and bone density. Dr. Edward Ambis, with over 40 years of experience, carefully evaluates each patient to determine their suitability for this life-changing treatment.
Ready to take the next step? Call our Ithaca dental office today at 607-272-1874 to schedule your personalized dental implant assessment with Dr. Ambis.
Key Factors in Dental Implant Candidacy
Bone Density and Quality
Sufficient bone density is essential for successful dental implant placement. The jawbone needs to be strong enough to support the implant and withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Dr. Ambis uses advanced imaging techniques to assess your bone structure and determine if you have adequate bone mass for implants.
Gum Health
Healthy gums are vital for dental implant success. Patients with active gum disease, or periodontal disease, may need to undergo additional treatment before considering implants. Our team at Ambis Dental will evaluate your gum health and recommend appropriate treatments if necessary.
Overall Health Status
Your general health plays a significant role in dental implant candidacy. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may affect your body’s ability to heal and integrate the implant. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history to ensure implants are a safe option for you.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of dental implants. We’ll assess your current oral care routine and provide guidance on how to keep your implants and surrounding teeth healthy for years to come.
Age Considerations
While there’s no upper age limit for dental implants, younger patients may need to wait until their jawbone has fully developed. Dr. Ambis will evaluate your individual case to determine if implants are appropriate for your stage of growth and development.
Smoking and Alcohol Use
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact implant success rates. If you smoke, we may recommend quitting or significantly reducing your tobacco use before and after the implant procedure to improve your chances of successful outcomes.
The Ambis Dental Difference: Personalized Implant Assessments
At Ambis Dental, we understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we offer personalized implant assessments to determine your candidacy for dental implants. Dr. Edward Ambis, a fellow at the Resnik Implant Institute, brings his extensive experience and cutting-edge knowledge to every consultation.
During your assessment, we’ll:
- Conduct a comprehensive oral examination
- Review your medical history
- Perform advanced imaging studies
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Create a customized treatment plan
Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your dental health. We’ll answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about the implant process.
Preparing for Dental Implants: Supplemental Procedures
In some cases, patients may require additional treatment to become eligible for the dental implant procedure. At Ambis Dental, we offer a range of supplemental procedures to help you achieve optimal oral health for implant success.
Bone Grafting
If you’ve experienced significant bone loss in your jaw, a bone graft may be necessary. This procedure involves adding bone material to your jawbone to create a solid foundation for the implant. Dr. Ambis will determine if bone grafting is needed based on your individual case.
Sinus Lift
For patients needing implants in the upper back teeth area, a sinus lift may be required. This procedure raises the sinus floor, creating more space for the implant. Our experienced team will guide you through the process if a sinus lift is necessary for your implant success.
Ridge Augmentation
In cases where the alveolar ridge is too narrow or shallow, ridge augmentation can help create a more suitable implant site. This procedure involves adding bone or bone substitute to the ridge, improving its width and height for implant placement.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
While dental implants are an excellent solution for many patients, they may not be suitable for everyone. At Ambis Dental, we offer a variety of tooth replacement options to meet your individual needs:
- Traditional dentures
- Partial dentures
- Dental bridges
- Implant-supported dentures
Dr. Ambis will discuss all available options with you, ensuring you find the best solution for your oral health and lifestyle. Not sure which tooth replacement option is right for you? Contact our Ithaca office at 607-272-1874 to schedule a consultation and explore your choices.