I was playing football with some friends and was not wearing a mouthguard (or a helmet). I already know that was stupid so don’t bother getting onto me about that. I would like to get a dental implant to replace the tooth. I am concerned, however, that the metal from the dental implant will show through in the gums because it is a front tooth. Is there anything I can do about that?
Carl
Dear Carl,
While everyone’s body is different, most people have no problems with their dental implants showing through. Your dentist will run tests to check all the factors involved in whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Make sure your dentist includes a CT scan in the diagnostics. Dental implants are a 3-dimensional procedure and it requires 3-dimensional imaging. This will help with more than just bone density and gum depth. It will also help your dentist avoid your nasal cavity as well as any nerves.
The key to a successful dental implant procedure is a skilled implant dentist. Unfortunately, there is not a recognized specialty in dental implants. If a dentist wants to develop that skill set, they need to get post-doctoral training. You will need a dentist who has invested in that training.
There are way too many dental implant horror stories from patients who underwent the procedure with an underqualified dentist. I do not want that to happen to you. My suggestion is that you look at Dr. Marion’s qualifications to get an idea of the type of dentist you need.
One other consideration. Generally, an oral surgeon will do the surgical part and then the dentist will do the restoration. However, it is very important that it is the dentist who determines the placement of the implant. Go to the dentist first, then the oral surgeon.
This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.
