In order for you to be a suitable candidate for a dental implant, the existing conditions in your mouth must be such that it can be supported. One of the most crucial things that a surgeon will look for when examining you is how much bone density there is in your mouth. The implant must fuse with your mouth to remain in place and be viable for the long term.
Your Mouth Must Be Able to Support a Dental Implant
A dental implant is designed to be a lasting procedure. Your mouth needs to provide support for the implant to enable it to remain in your mouth. Dense bone provides more for the implant to latch onto, and it provides for a more secure connection. There are fewer complications involved when you have sufficient bone density in your mouth.
If you do not have enough bone density in your mouth, your implant may loosen and fail. When you see an oral surgeon, they will perform an initial evaluation to assess your oral health. You may have gum disease that has reduced the bone density in your mouth or jaw. Also, you may lose bone density naturally as you get older.
Your Oral Surgeon Will Perform a Complete Evaluation
One of the first things an oral surgeon will do is assess the bone density in your mouth. They may use a combination of X-rays, CT scans, and a visual examination to determine whether you have enough bone density to proceed directly to an implant procedure. The hope is that they will see that the missing tooth is the only problem in your mouth and can be easily resolved through an implant procedure.
Your Doctor Can Use Alternative Methods to Help You
Low bone density does not automatically mean that you are not a candidate for a dental implant. However, it does mean that your doctor may recommend a different course of treatment before you have a chance at a successful procedure. They may perform a bone graft before a dental implant.
Let an experienced oral surgeon determine the best course of treatment. There may still be solutions that enable you to obtain the new smile you want while accommodating your existing oral health situation.
Contact a South Jersey Oral Surgeon at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
A South Jersey oral surgeon at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can evaluate your oral health and review your dental implant options. Depending on your situation, we can use various solutions to address your problem. You can schedule an appointment for an initial evaluation with an oral surgeon by calling us today at 856-582-4222 or contacting us online. Our offices are in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, and we work with patients throughout South Jersey.