Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile. They can impact your ability to chew, your speech, and even your self-confidence. For many patients in Lake Ozark, MO, and the surrounding communities of Osage Beach and Camdenton, dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks and feels like natural teeth.
At Premier Dental & Oral Health Group, Dr. Ron Massie helps patients restore their smiles with expert implant dentistry. While implants are a fantastic option for many, they aren’t right for everyone immediately. Certain factors play a huge role in the success of the procedure.
If you are wondering if this life-changing treatment is right for you, use this checklist to see if you fit the profile of an ideal candidate.
1. Healthy Gums and Oral Health
The foundation of a successful implant is a healthy mouth. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is the enemy of dental implants. Since the implant must integrate with your jawbone, active infection in the gums can cause the implant to fail.
Before moving forward, Dr. Massie will ensure your gums are free of inflammation or infection. If you have existing gum issues, don’t worry—you may still be a candidate once those issues are treated and healed.
2. Sufficient Bone Density
This is often the most critical factor. Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. For this to happen, there must be enough quality bone to support the post securely.
When you visit Premier Dental & Oral Health Group, we take the guesswork out of this step. We use an advanced CT scanner to capture detailed 3D images of your jaw. This technology allows us to determine the exact volume and density of your bone. It also helps us plan the precise placement of the implant, making the procedure significantly safer and more accurate.
If your bone density is low, you aren’t necessarily disqualified. Bone grafting procedures can often build up the area to support an implant successfully.
3. Good Overall Health
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, so your body needs to be able to heal properly. Uncontrolled chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can slow down healing and increase the risk of infection.
Ideally, candidates should be non-smokers. Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, which slows the healing process and significantly increases the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, quitting before the procedure is the best way to ensure your investment lasts a lifetime.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Implants are durable, but they require care just like natural teeth. The best candidates are those committed to a strict oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Dr. Ron Massie for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Expert Implant Dentistry in Lake Ozark
Dr. Ron Massie is one of the area’s premier dentists, dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health. By combining years of expertise with cutting-edge technology like our in-office CT scanner, we ensure that your path to a restored smile is smooth, safe, and successful.
Are you ready to find out if dental implants are the solution you’ve been looking for?
Contact Premier Dental & Oral Health Group today to schedule your consultation. Let’s bring your smile back to life.
Contact Premier Dental & Oral Health Group:
573-365-0220
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
24 North Shore Dr.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
65049
