812-882-1572
Your Smile Solution at Herman Family Dentistry
If you’re looking for a lasting way to restore your smile after tooth loss, dental implants from Herman Family Dentistry could be the ideal solution. As the most natural and durable tooth replacement option, implants provide a functional and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth. However, not everyone initially qualifies as an implant candidate.
During your consultation at our Vincennes dental office, our experienced Vincennes, IN implant dentist, Dr. Eric Herman, will thoroughly evaluate your oral health to determine if dental implants are right for you. Call our Vincennes dental office at (812) 882-1572 to schedule your implant consultation today.
What Happens During a Consultation?
Your dental implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our modern Vincennes office. Here’s what you can expect:
The Oral Health Evaluation
To evaluate your dental health, Dr. Eric Herman will visually examine your smile for any signs of decay or disease. He’ll also take scans of your jaw to get a closer look at bone density and tissue health. Additionally, our front office staff may ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your medical and dental history.
The Discussion
Once Dr. Herman has reviewed your evaluation notes and scans, he’ll meet with you to discuss your smile goals. Whether you need a single implant or an implant-supported denture, our goal is to make sure the result meets your expectations. During this meeting, you can also ask Dr. Herman any questions you may have.
The Final Decision
After the evaluation and discussion, we’ll give you some time to make your decision. You won’t have to commit to a dental implant treatment right then and there, but we recommend that you decide before the state of your oral health worsens.
Factors That May Influence Implant Candidacy
While dental implants are highly successful for most patients, certain factors can affect your initial candidacy or require preparatory treatments. These include:
- Age (implants not recommended for growing children/teens)
- Pregnancy
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders
- Habits like smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, and teeth grinding
- Medications that can interfere with bone healing
- Low jawbone density
- Advanced gum disease or infections
If any of these apply to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get implants. Dr. Herman can discuss options like supplemental procedures or lifestyle adjustments to increase your chances of implant success.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have gum disease. Can I still get dental implants?
Gum disease must be brought under control before implant surgery, as active infections can cause implant failure. However, many patients are able to get dental implants after undergoing periodontal treatment and establishing a healthy mouth.
How do I know if I need dental implants?
Dental implants are the top solution for missing teeth. However, certain criteria indicate if you may need an implant. You’re an ideal candidate for implants if:
- You have loose teeth
- It’s difficult for you to chew food
- You have missing teeth
- Your dental bridges trap food under them
- You have the adequate bone structure to support the implants
Does receiving an implant affect my speech or chewing ability?
No, getting an implant shouldn’t affect your speech or chewing ability. In fact, implants are designed to function and feel like natural teeth, so once the implant has fused with your jawbone and the prosthetic tooth has been attached, you should be able to speak and eat as you normally would.
It may take some time to adjust to the feeling of the implant in your mouth, particularly if you’re getting multiple implants.
Will getting an implant affect the alignment of my other teeth?
No, getting an implant doesn’t affect the alignment of your other teeth. Implants are placed in the jawbone, so they don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support like other dental restorations, such as bridges.
Missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift over time, so getting an implant to replace a missing tooth can help prevent alignment issues.
Discover Your Candidacy With Our Vincennes Implant Dentist
If you’re ready to explore your tooth replacement options with dental implants, the first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Herman at (812)-882-1572 or through our online contact form. Contact our Vincennes, IN, dental office today to book your visit! We’re committed to helping patients in Vincennes, Washington, Bruceville, Decker, and surrounding communities achieve healthy, complete smiles.