Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Richardson?

Tooth loss has serious consequences–bone loss, gum recession, facial sagging, and others. Dr. Tom M.McDougal and Dr. Chris C. Richards, skilled dentists in Richardson, Texas, place modern dental implants to beautifully restore full oral function and great smile aesthetics. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), these state of the art artificial teeth help literally millions of individuals in the United States recover their smiles annually. Could you be one of them?

Why Tooth Loss is Devastating

Teeth lost to extensive decay, gum disease or oral injury leave a trail of problems behind. The gap caused by the loss of just one tooth renders:

• Weakened jaw bone
• Thinned gum tissue
• Compromised chewing and speaking
• Poor smile aesthetics
• Aged facial appearance
• Space for remaining teeth to drift out of alignment

Unfortunately, tooth loss has a domino effect. As such, dentists have worked hard for generations to replace missing teeth with traditional choices such as fixed bridgework and partial and full dentures. Unfortunately, these tried and true prosthetics have problems of their own such as slurred speech, slippage and periodic need for replacement.

An Outstanding Alternative: the Dental Implant

The dental implant is a true artificial tooth. Comprised of a titanium root, metal alloy extension and porcelain crown, the single tooth implant securely resides right in the patient’s jaw bone. Placed during a comfortable, in-office surgery, the dental implant bonds right to the jaw bone through an almost miraculous process called osseointegration.

After the implant site heals fully, the dentist attaches the metal extension post and custom-crafted crown. The AAID says 98 percent of dental implants succeed and are retained by patients for decades. Rarely do they require removal and replacement.

Who Qualifies?

Many older teens and adults make great dental implant candidates. Drs. McDougal and Richards examine the patient’s mouth and take digital X-rays to determine if there is sufficient jaw bone to accept the screw-like device. If bone is thin, the dentists have sinus augmentation and ridge modification procedures to make implant sites strong. Also, the individual should be free of tooth decay and gum disease and be in good overall health.

While people with diabetes qualify for implants, it is important that their blood sugars be well-controlled. Also, smokers may receive implants, but smoking cessation increases the chances of implant success and retention.

In addition, individuals with good oral hygiene habits make the best candidates. That means:

• They brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque
• They receive twice yearly exams and cleanings at McDougal and Richards Dentistry
• They drink plenty of water to keep gums and teeth healthy
• They eat a nutritious diet

Finally, individuals who have lost multiple or even all of their teeth may receive dental implants. Drs. McDougal and Richards utilize the All-on-4 dental implant solution, or “teeth in a day,” to support fixed bridgework or a full denture. Just four implant devices secure these prosthetics for natural look, feel and function.

Are Implants for You?

Find out with a personal consultation at McDougal and Richards Dentistry. Contact the office today for a convenient appointment time, and bring along all your questions!