812-882-1572
Your Perfect Solution
Finding the perfect solution for your restorative dental needs may be a challenge. Fortunately, Dr. Herman provides dental implants, a lifelong replacement option for patients living with missing or damaged teeth. While they’re the number one tooth replacement solution, there are certain qualifications needed for a patient to receive implants. At Herman Family Dentistry, we’ll perform evaluations at your consultations to determine if dental implants are ideal for your unique situation.
What Happens During a Consultation?
When you come into our Vincennes office for your implant consultation, there are three things to expect: an oral health evaluation, a one-on-one discussion, and a final decision.
The Oral Health Evaluation
This consists of Dr. Herman performing a visual examination of your smile, looking for signs of decay or disease. At this time we’ll also take scans of your jaw to get a more in-depth look at the jawbone density and tissue health. Our front office staff may also ask you to fill out a questionnaire on your medical and dental history.
The Discussion
After examining the evaluation notes and scans, Dr. Herman will sit down with you to discuss what your smile goals are. Whether you need one implant or an entire implant-supported denture, we want to make sure that the result is what you’re envisioning. At this time, you can also ask Dr. Herman any questions that you may have.
The Final Decision
After the evaluation and discussion are complete, 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
It’s important to note that even if you fall under one of these categories, it doesn’t mean you can’t receive implants. Instead, you may have to wait for a certain amount of time or go through supplemental work before you qualify.
The following factors may hinder your candidacy for dental implants:
- Age: Implants are not recommended for children. This is because their jaws haven’t developed and safety is our top priority. If your child has lost a permanent tooth, consult with Dr. Herman for alternative solutions.
- Pregnancy: We don’t typically recommend dental implants for women who are pregnant due to the use of anesthetics as well as an invasive procedure.
- Medical Conditions: Patients who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hemophilia, or autoimmune disorders should consult with their doctors to ensure they’re in good health to undergo invasive surgery.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): If you grind your teeth at night, we’re able to see how flat your teeth have become. Before pursuing dental implants, we recommend investing in a nightguard to protect your teeth as well as your new restoration.
- Heavy Smoking or Alcoholism: Both tobacco and alcohol contain properties that dry out your mouth and expose your teeth to harsh chemicals, both of which can be detrimental to a new healing implant.
- Immunosuppressants or Steriods: The healing process is vital to the success of your implant treatment but patients taking immunosuppressants or steroids could be putting themselves at risk post-surgery. Talk to your doctor before proceeding with implant treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have gum disease, can I still get implants?
If you have gum disease, we’ll need to eliminate the infection before proceeding with implant treatment. Gum disease interferes with your jawbone’s ability to heal around the titanium implant fixture, causing the procedure to fail. We’ll always treat any underlying oral issues before beginning your dental implant treatment.
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
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Herman and determine your implant eligibility, call our Vincennes office at (812)-882-1572.
Discover Your Implant Candidacy
If you’re wondering if dental implant treatment is the right solution for your oral health needs, Dr. Herman and our Vincennes team are here for you. To schedule your consultation, call our Vincennes office at (812)-882-1572. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form and one of our team members will get back to you shortly.
