In general, dental implants may be a patient's right choice if they have one or more missing teeth, a jawbone that's reached full growth, and have adequate bone to secure the implants (or are able to have a bone graft). It is also important that the patient have healthy oral tissues and does not have health conditions that will affect bone healing. Some other candidates may be those who are unable or unwilling to wear dentures, and those who simply want to improve their speech. All patients must have patience and be willing to commit several months to the process, as the procedure is accomplished over several visits with healing time in between stages.
If the patient's jawbone isn't thick enough or too soft, the doctor performing the surgery may be required to do some bone grafting before the patient can have dental implant surgery. The powerful chewing action of a patient's mouth exerts great pressure on the jaw bone, and if the bone can't support the implant, the surgery likely would fail. A bone graft can create a more solid base for the implant.
Like any surgery, dental implant surgery poses some health risks. Problems are rare, and when they do occur, they're usually minor and easily treated. Problems that could arise are nfection at the implant site, injury or damage to surrounding structures, such as other teeth or blood vessels, nerve damage, which can cause some pain, numbness or tingling in the neighboring teeth, gums, lips or chin, or sinus problems, when dental implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into one of the sinus cavities. These issues are infrequent and can usually be rectified with little problem. Getting dental implants installed by a skilled dentist like Dr. Golpa of "Smile Designs by Golpa" will greatly reduce the risks of any problems arising and expedite the patient's return to a beautiful healthy smile!
