Missing teeth can do more than just affect your smile—they can impact your confidence, your diet, and your overall health. If you are considering a permanent solution to tooth loss, you might be asking yourself if you qualify for the procedure. At McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry in Shelby Township, MI, we specialize in helping patients restore their smiles with precision and care.
Led by Dr. Brittany McKinley-Holloway, a third-generation dentist carrying on the McKinley family tradition, our practice is dedicated to providing complete, quality family dental care across Macomb County, including Clinton Township and Macomb Township. We combine a rich history of dental excellence with modern technology to deliver personalized implant treatments designed to last a lifetime.
The Checklist: Are You Ready for Implants?
A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, good oral hygiene, and a commitment to maintaining long-term dental health
Dental implants are often the gold standard for tooth replacement, but they aren’t for everyone immediately. Success relies on specific biological factors. Here is a checklist to help you determine if you are a prime candidate.
1. Sufficient Jawbone Density
This is the most critical factor. An implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a root. For the implant to anchor securely, there must be enough bone to support it. If you have experienced bone loss due to long-term missing teeth, you might need a bone graft before proceeding.
2. Healthy Gums
Your gums need to be free of periodontal disease. Gum disease can cause infection around the implant, leading to failure. We will assess your gum health during your initial exam to ensure the foundation is solid.
3. Good General Health
Because placing implants involves surgery, your body needs to be able to heal properly. Uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune disorders, or radiation therapy to the jaw area can affect healing. It is important to discuss your full medical history with Dr. McKinley-Holloway.
4. Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit
Smoking significantly slows down healing and increases the risk of implant failure. While being a smoker doesn’t automatically disqualify you, quitting or pausing smoking during the healing process greatly improves your chances of success.
5. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Implants require the same care as natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are non-negotiable for long-term success.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Once we determine you are a candidate, the benefits can be life-changing. We are proud to offer treatments that go beyond aesthetics.
- Restored Chewing Function: Eat your favorite foods like steak or apples without hesitation. Implants function just like natural teeth.
- Jawbone Preservation: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. Implants stimulate the bone, preventing that “sunken” facial appearance.
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants do not require altering adjacent healthy teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
The Implant Process at McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry
Understanding the journey can help ease anxiety. Here is what the process looks like at our Shelby Township office:
- Consultation & Planning: We use advanced imaging to assess your bone density and plan the precise placement of your implant.
- Placement Surgery: Dr. McKinley-Holloway surgically places the titanium post into the jawbone. This is usually done under local anesthesia for your comfort.
- Osseointegration (Healing): Over the next few months, the implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a sturdy base.
- Abutment and Crown: Once healed, we attach a connector piece (abutment) and your custom-made crown, completing your new smile.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Are you ready to restore your smile and confidence? Whether you are in Shelby Township, Macomb, or Clinton Township, Dr. Brittany McKinley-Holloway is here to guide you. Contact McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
CONTACT MCKINLEY-HOLLOWAY LEGACY DENTISTRY:
586-685-0880
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
45665 VILLAGE BLVD
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
48315
