A Teenager's Guide to Braces

Are you missing teeth or facing the removal of teeth? Having gaps in your teeth can be an unpleasant experience. There are obviously aesthetic concerns. You may feel insecure about your missing teeth, and you could be hesitant to smile. However, there also could be functional issues. You may have trouble chewing and swallowing food, which places pressure and stress on your remaining teeth.

Dental implants are one way to fix the gaps in your teeth. With dental implants, a dentist installs new teeth into your mouth by anchoring them into the bone beneath your gums. The new teeth are held firmly in your mouth and look like natural teeth. It's a highly effective way to replace missing teeth. However, it's not for everyone. Below are a few criteria you'll need to meet before you're approved for dental implants.

You are generally healthy overall.

A dental implant procedure is a type of surgery. You will be put under anesthesia and be asleep throughout the procedure. Anesthesia is generally safe for most people. but it can be risky for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity issues, and a wide range of other medical complications. You will have to go through a physical before your procedure, just as you would have to do for any other surgery. If you have a medical condition that will prevent you from clearing a physical, dental implants may not be a good option.

You have strong bone health.

One of the things that make implants so effective is that the teeth are attached to the bone under your gums, just like your normal teeth. This makes implanted teeth just as strong as natural teeth. However, you have to have a jaw bone that is strong enough to hold the teeth. As you age, your bones often become weaker. That includes your jaw bone. 

Your dentist will perform x-rays and other tests to examine your bone strength. If it's not strong enough to hold the implants, you may have to choose another option like a bridge or dentures. It's possible your dentist could do a bone graft to strengthen the jaw, but not all dentists will perform that procedure.

You can pay for the surgery.

In many cases, health insurance will not pay for dental implants. This is because there are often less costly options available, like dentures and bridges. That means you will likely have to cover the cost out of pocket. Many dentists will set up payment plans, but they may require you to make a down payment. You could also explore other options like a credit card, home equity, or even a personal loan. Dental implants are an effective procedure, but they're also costly.

Contact your dentist for more information about dental implants.