812-882-1572
Your Perfect Solution at Herman Family Dentistry
Finding the ideal solution for your restorative dental needs can be challenging, but at Herman Family Dentistry, we offer dental implants as a lifelong replacement option for patients with missing or damaged teeth. Although implants are the top-rated tooth replacement solution, not everyone is a suitable candidate.
During your consultation, our Vincennes, IN, implant dentist will perform evaluations to determine if dental implants are the best fit for your unique situation.
What Happens During a Consultation?
When you come into our Vincennes office for your implant consultation, there are three steps to expect: an oral health evaluation, a one-on-one discussion, and a final decision.
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
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 the duration or go through supplemental work before you qualify.
The following factors may hinder your candidacy for dental implants:
- Age: We don’t recommend implants for children. This is because their jaws haven’t developed, and patient safety is our top priority. If your child has lost a permanent tooth, consult with Dr. Herman for alternative restorative solutions.
- Pregnancy: We don’t typically recommend dental implants for pregnant women due to the use of anesthetics, as well as the invasiveness of the 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, which can be detrimental to a new healing implant.
- Immunosuppressants or Steriods: The healing process is vital to the success of your implant treatment. 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
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 wondering if dental implant treatment is the right solution for your oral health needs, Dr. Herman and our 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. Herman Family Dentistry proudly provides implant dentistry services to patients in the Vincennes area and the surrounding areas like Washington, Bruceville, and Decker, IN.