If you are missing teeth, you have several options for replacing those teeth to restore your perfect smile. One of these options is dental implants. When choosing a doctor for your implant procedure, it is important to find someone who understands how implants interact with existing gum and bone tissues. For this reason, a periodontist can be an excellent choice for your implant procedure.
Periodontists and Dental Implants
Many periodontists are helping people achieve a new look after loss of teeth. A periodontist specializes in treating gum tissue and understands how the gum and bone in the mouth help support the teeth. Therefore, a periodontist can help ensure the best possible environment for your implants, and the best possible likelihood of a successful surgery.
Periodontists often work with a dental implant dentist to plan where to place your implants and which implant procedure is best suited to your individual goals and needs. A periodontist can also diagnose and treat any gum problems, such as inflammation, gingivitis, or periodontitis, that could compromise your healing after your surgery.
Choosing a Dental Implant Specialist
A consultation with a dental implant specialist will help you determine if implants are a good choice for you, and if that particular dentist is a good match to help you meet your goals for your new smile. The dentist should be willing to discuss all the factors that could compromise your ability to heal, as well as the various available approaches to implant dentistry that could help ensure your implants are successful and that you are happy with the final results.
Some factors you’ll discuss with your implant dentist include:
- History of health problems such as diabetes or immune system disorders
- Habits such as smoking that could affect your healing process
- Use of certain medications that could affect the success of your implants
- Existence of gum disease that should be treated before an implant procedure
- Existing bone mass in your jaw to support your implants
These factors will all help determine if implants are right for you, and what procedure is the best to help you regain your smile. Consult with the office of Dr. Brad Crump to learn more.