If you are missing one or more teeth, you should give some serious thought to filling in the space, or spaces in your smile. If you have a complete set of teeth, you will be able to bite and chew your food properly to make it easier for you swallow and digest it. If you have a full smile, you will be able to speak correctly. And of course, if your missing teeth are apparent to those around you, you will feel self-conscious at work and around friends and family. Wouldn’t it be nice if people paid attention to you, and not your missing teeth?

One of the best options for replacing missing teeth, especially if are replacing one or two teeth, is a dental implant. Implants are placed directly into your jaw bone. They are made of titanium which is very compatible with the human body. As the implant site heals, the jaw bone grows around the implant. This helps to make your jaw stronger and healthier and your implant sturdier.

The majority of people are great implant candidates. However, before you start the implant process, you need to see our dentists, Dr. Carly Locsey for an exam and a consultation. You also need to have an honest conversation with the dentist about your medical history, any medications you are taking, and about your lifestyle choices. There are some things that may keep you from filling in your smile with dental implants.

For your implants to be successful you need to have healthy gums and a sufficient amount of jaw bone to support them. You may need to have a gum or bone graft before you can move ahead with implants. If you are pregnant, or if your jaw bones have not stopped growing, you may need to wait for your implants.

If you have immune-system issues, or live with hemophilia or diabetes that you do not control, you may need to choose another tooth replacement option. Steroids, immunosuppressants, an radiation treatments to the head or neck may preclude you from having implants.

If you grind your teeth, you will need to mitigate that issue to keep your implant from failing. You may need to wear a night guard while you sleep, or it might help for you to learn some relaxation techniques to avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.

You may also need to make some lifestyle changes to be a good implant candidate. For example, if you smoke or use tobacco in any form and are not willing to quit, you could be putting your implants at risk. Heavy alcohol and drug use may mean that implants may not be for you. You should also be able to commit to proper brushing and flossing, and to the necessary follow-up visits and aftercare.

If after talking to the dentist you find out that you are not an implant candidate in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, don’t despair. A dental bridge or dentures may be the answer to your problem. If you are interested in a little smile improvement, you can call French Run Family Dental at 614-866-1234 today. We will be happy to see you for an exam and a consultation.