Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

An example of dental implants at Jon C. Packman DDS in Statesville, NC

The placement of dental implants is a great restoration treatment for those with missing teeth. A majority of our patients are candidates for dental implants, though there may be some preparation that needs to happen prior to treatment. The placement of a dental implant is considered a minimally invasive procedure that can be even completed with just a local anesthetic. At Jon C. Packman DDS, we can review your needs and discuss treatment options, which may include the rebuilding of missing teeth through the placement of dental implants.

One of the biggest questions we ask ourselves during your consultation is if we think that osseointegration can occur. Osseointegration is the body’s natural bone healing ability. It involves the bone being able to grow up and around the implant device. There are some factors that can disrupt this healing, and we can discuss changes to help it.

What can prevent osseointegration?

Dental implants work because scientists have taken your natural ability to heal and blended it with a biocompatible material designed to enhance the fusing of bone material. Still, there are some factors that can prevent the bone from fusing with the implant as planned. Our goal is to predict these factors before treatment and discuss options, or how to increase the odds of healing. Some of the factors that can prevent healing include:

•	Certain Medications: It is important that we know all medications, either prescribed or over the counter, that you may be taking, even if they seem irrelevant. There are ingredients that can limit or slow down your natural ability to heal.
•	Medical Conditions: There are multiple medical conditions that can cause healing to be limited. This can include diabetes, cancer treatment, and more. Medical conditions do not eliminate you from candidacy, but we may ask to talk with your physician for guidance.
•	Smoking: Smoking tobacco, vape or marijuana can cause some direct problems in your mouth while healing. From temporary paralysis of the tissue, to the heat of the smoke drying your mouth and exposing you to increased infection. We may discuss temporarily stopping smoking for a period of time immediately before or after treatment. We will advise each patient on this according to their situation.
•	Active Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection in your mouth. We want to help you gain control of this infection before opening the tissue and making you susceptible to infection.

Am I too old for dental implants?

There is not an age limit to the surgical implantation of dental implants. This procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that is often completed in our office with minimal anesthesia. Depending on the work being done, we may even use only a local anesthetic. The criteria that we are most concerned with is the patient’s ability to heal at an appropriate rate, which can be impacted from health issues related to age. We are happy to review your needs and discuss all treatment options.

Phone

(704) 978-7060

Hours

Monday–Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
CLOSED from 12:30p.m.–2p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Address

Jon C. Packman DDS
1316 Davie Ave Suite A
Statesville, NC 28677-3561

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Jon C. Packman DDS | www.jpackmandds.com | (704) 978-7060
1316 Davie Ave Suite A, Statesville, NC 28677

Jon C. Packman DDS, 1316 Davie Ave Suite A, Statesville, NC 28677 : (704) 978-7060 : www.jpackmandds.com : 9/15/2021 : Key Phrases: dentist Statesville NC : dentist Statesville NC :