Dental Implant Candidacy in Thunder Bay, ON

Determining Your Candidacy for Implants

Missing teeth can negatively impact your self-confidence, eating habits, speaking ability, and cause persistent pain. Due to their longevity and the health benefits they offer, dental implants make a great solution for patients looking to restore the appearance and function of their smile. Along with these restorations being permanent, recent advancements in dental technology have made it easier to place implants and increase the number of patients eligible for the procedure.

Wondering if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants? While there are several factors, the best way to know for sure is by scheduling an initial consultation with our qualified implant dentist, Dr. Chow. Read our guide to learn about the benefits of dental implants.

Enjoy the Many Benefits of Dental Implants

Regain Confidence in Your Smile

It can be embarrassing to suffer from tooth loss. Missing teeth can make you feel like you have to hide your smile and it can also make certain social situations awkward. A smile that’s been restored with dental implants is natural-looking and implants function just like actual teeth. Nobody will know that you have implants, so you can get back to smiling with confidence again while enjoying life’s happier moments.

Restore Your Teeth’s Functionality

Having gaps in your mouth caused by missing teeth can make simple tasks like eating, chewing, and even speaking challenging. Worst of all, missing teeth can lead to further complications with your smile, such as tooth decay or jawbone deterioration (resorption). For example, food can become trapped in the empty spaces between your teeth and increase your risk of infection. Dental implants are a great way to restore functionality to your smile while also improving your oral health.

Make a Good First Impression

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. That’s why having a beautiful smile is important to making a good first impression. With dental implants, you won’t ever have to worry about what others might think, since your custom fixtures will blend perfectly with your natural teeth. Imagine getting your dream job or looking the best out of everyone in your family photos thanks to a full, beautiful smile. Smiling positively impacts the way people perceive you, meaning the more likely you are to be viewed as successful.

Enjoy Permanent & Convenient Tooth Replacement

One of the reasons why implants are considered one of the best restorative treatments by dentists such as Dr. Chow is due to the fact that they’re permanent. They’ll become part of your charming smile for many years to come. That way, you won’t need to stress about extra trips to the dentist or wonder if they’ll fall out of your mouth. Once your customized dental implants are fitted, you can stop worrying about the gaps in your smile and enjoy all the benefits of a full and beautiful set of pearly whites.

What If I’m Not a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Patients with poor oral health may not immediately qualify for dental implants, either due to having poor gum health or a weak jawbone. The good news is that you can improve your smile right here at our Thunder Bay office with supplemental procedures. With the help of these treatments, Dr. Chow and our expert team can help you become a better candidate for dental implants and improve the success rate of receiving your restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get implants if I have gum disease?

Having healthy gums is vital to the success of your dental implant procedure. If you suffer from gum disease, you may not immediately qualify for these restorations. Fortunately, Dr. Chow can offer a variety of treatment options to eliminate any bacteria in your mouth and restore your smile’s health. Once freed of any infection, you’ll be ready to receive dental implants.

How do I know if I need dental implants?

Dental implants are the top solution for missing teeth. However, there are certain criteria that can help you decide whether this procedure is right for you, including:

• Having loose or missing teeth
• Experiencing difficulty chewing properly
• You have a strong jawbone and healthy gum tissue to support implants
• Food gets trapped under your dental bridges
• You feel like your dentures are too impractical

During your initial consultation with Dr. Chow, she’ll conduct an evaluation of your oral health to determine whether you may benefit from dental implants. You can also contact our Thunder Bay office for more information by calling (807) 700-1383.

Can I still qualify for dental implants if I have dentures?

You can still qualify for dental implants if you wear dentures. Ideal candidates for the implant procedure should be in good oral health with plenty of jawbone mass and healthy gum tissue. If you suffer from having inadequate bone density or any stage of gum disease, you would have to undergo a supplement procedure before Dr. Chow can recommend you for implants.

Will I have to ever replace my dental implants?

Dental implants are designed to stay in your smile permanently — that’s what makes them an ideal treatment option for our patients. Since your custom restoration will be placed directly into your jawbone, you’ll never have to worry about them coming loose or shifting in your mouth. While the crowns on top of your implant may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, the fixture itself mimics your natural tooth root and can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams.