Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants in Marietta?

For more than 35 years, Dr. James Merriman has been transforming smiles and changing lives as a dentist in Marietta, GA. Known as “Greater Atlanta’s Source for Expert Dentistry,” Dr. Merriman provides the comprehensive services patients need for a complete, healthy smile. Through his extensive expertise in an array of dentistry specialties, Dr. Merriman is able to treat tooth loss using dental implants. Dental implants allow you to restore your oral health and functions with a permanent solution to replace missing teeth. While dental implants offer a 95 percent success rate, they are not right for everyone. If you are interested in dental implants in Marietta, Dr. Merriman will help determine if implants are right for you.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have quickly become the preferred choice to treat tooth loss because the offer a lifelong solution. In addition, they are the only form of tooth replacement that most closely mimic natural teeth. Implants can be used to treat all types of tooth loss using a surgical procedure. Biocompatible titanium posts are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Your bone will fuse to the implant posts, at which point abutments are used to anchor the prosthetic crowns to the implant posts. The number of posts required vary depending on how many teeth you are missing.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Just about everyone who have missing teeth, healthy gums, and adequate done density are candidates for implants. However, there are underlying health and lifestyle factors that may make implants unsuitable. Your implant dentist, Dr. Merriam, will perform the consultation needed to determine if implants are right for you.

In order for implants to be successful, you must have minimal risk for infections and your bone must support and fuse to the implant correctly. As a result, those who have chronic diseases or systemic problems, such as uncontrolled diabetes, connective tissue diseases, or immune deficiencies may not be candidates for implants. You must also have proper oral hygiene and not have lifestyle factors, such as heavy smoking and alcohol use, that make you more prone to healing. Implants are not recommended for pregnant women or those who have not finished growing.

Certain medications, such as those that suppress the immune system, may hinder your candidacy for dental implants. In addition, those who grind or clench their teeth may not be able to get implants. Those who have had certain cancers or radiation to the head or neck may not be candidates.

Posted on behalf of Envision Dental