Substituting the natural function and aesthetics of a missing tooth (or teeth) is a difficult task. A dental implant is the most natural alternative for replacing the missing dentition available. They can be used to restore one tooth, a few teeth, or your entire upper or lower set of teeth by providing a permanent artificial root upon which crowns, bridges, or non-slip dentures may be placed

Who Can Benefit From Implants?

People With Loose Dentures Or Partials
Patients who are edentulous (all of their teeth are missing) and have dentures but find they are unable to chew, can be desperate for a solution. By placing dental implants in the jaw bone dentures may be anchored in place, it’s as if you give them all of their own natural teeth back again. Dental implants are secure, aesthetically natural, and have the strength of natural teeth. Patients with dental implants are able to smile, laugh, and eat and have no anxiety that their dentures may move around or make noticeable noises.

Athletes Both Young And Old
Athletes often fall victim to an accident or sports injury and may find that they have lost a tooth. The smart thing to do immediately following the trauma is to find the tooth, have the athlete hold the tooth in their mouth if it cannot be replaced in the socket, and head straight to the dentist’s office. Unfortunately, not all lost teeth can be successfully replanted. With modern dentistry, instead of putting in a bridge, which requires grinding down the teeth on each side of the missing tooth, Harbor North Dental can place a dental implant.

Teens And Young Adults Who Are Missing Their Eye Teeth (Canines)
Every now and then, Harbor North Dental has an appointment with a young person whose permanent smile came in without their eye teeth. Harbor North Dental can place implants so the smile is not only beautiful, but the teeth mesh comfortably and the occlusion (bite) is balanced. As a rule of thumb, we will not place dental implants in a teenager’s mouth until they reach the age of 17 – 18 years old.

Who Qualifies To Get Dental Implants?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. You cannot have gum disease or any other compromising infection or condition in your mouth. Your jawbone, whether upper or lower, needs to have enough density and volume to securely hold the dental implant. If you are lacking in bone quantity in your jaw, this can be addressed with bone grafting to bring bone levels up to standard.

The most common medical factors which could delay or stop you from having dental implants are:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Currently receiving chemotherapy
• Undergoing radiation treatment
• A disorder of the parathyroid
• Certain blood disorders
• Rare bone disorders
• Bone marrow cancer
• Low sinus cavities
• Uncontrolled osteoporosis

If you are considering getting a dental implant, make certain that you consult with Harbor North Dental  about our considerable training in implant dentistry.