Am I A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Almost everyone with a missing tooth is a candidate for dental implants.
Teeth can go missing for a number of reasons, such as from an injury, tooth decay or periodontal disease. Dental implants are a safe and effective tooth replacement option for anyone missing a tooth, several teeth or a full arch of teeth.
Dental implants can help restore a person’s oral health, appearance, dental function, and – most importantly – their confidence in their smile once again. Most people are candidates for dental implants, but there are some who may require some preliminary dental procedures to take place before the dental implant can be placed effectively.
The best candidates for dental implants are those who are generally in good health and have a healthy set of gums. Individuals must also have good oral hygiene and care for the health of their teeth and gums regularly. A commitment to daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for follow-up care and dental cleanings is also important to keep your dental implants healthy, beautiful and long-lasting.
Dental implant candidates must also have enough bone in their jaw in order to support each dental implant. Typically, at least 1 mm of bone is needed around the circumference of the dental implant in order to place the implant securely. If someone does not have enough bone in their jaw to anchor the implants firmly, however, there is still hope. Through preliminary dental procedures, such as bone grafting, the jawbone can be rebuilt to a state that will allow dental implants to be placed.
People who are not good candidates for dental implants may include children or young adults whose jawbones are still growing, women who are pregnant, or people with chronic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, hemophilia, and connective-tissue diseases. A strong immune system is also essential for any surgical procedure, so those with immune deficiencies or who are taking certain medications that suppress the immune system may not be good candidates for dental implants. Smoking, substance abuse or alcohol abuse may also affect the success of one’s dental implant surgery.
After dental implants are placed, it is important to follow your dentist’s post-operation instructions carefully. Habits such as smoking or severely grinding or clenching teeth can increase the risk of dental implant failure and should be avoided.
If you would like to see if you are a qualified candidate for dental implants, contact our office to schedule your initial appointment for a dental implant evaluation.
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