Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Having dental implants can correct tooth loss, which is the primary reason for getting these dental replacements. Other reasons for getting them may determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Knowing if you are a good candidate for dental implants can help you prepare well for your next appointments. Here are the details that can help determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Many missing teeth

These restorations can replace one to all missing teeth. For a single or a few missing teeth, the dentist surgically places individual implants into the jawbone. However, when most or all teeth are missing, the dentist will strategically place four to six implants into each jawbone.

Patients will receive an implant-supported denture, crown, or bridge for a seamless, natural appearance. These restorations beat traditional alternatives that require daily removal or threaten to become loose throughout the day.

Understands the process

A good candidate for dental implants is someone who knows the differences between traditional dental replacements and these restorations. Getting implants is an invasive process. The dentist will need the patient to go through surgery. This will involve a thorough examination of the patient’s oral health.

A bone graft may be necessary to thicken the jawbone if the patient has jawbone loss. Here, the dentist will graft healthy bone to the areas of the jawbone that need repairing. The patient must understand that this will prolong the recovery time for getting dental implants. The implant surgery will begin after the complete healing of the bone graft.

Healthy jawbone and gums

This is important before the dentist places the titanium rods into the jawbone. If the jawbone and gums are healthy, the patient can have dental implants for many years. That is why the dentist will need to make sure that the jawbone and gums are healthy before and during the procedure. Preventing implant failure is important. The patient must also be willing to take good care of their dental implants from day one.

Those who cannot get dental implants

Even if dental implants are the most stable dental restorations, these dental replacements are not for everybody. Some people may not have the ideal traits for getting these implants. The dentist may need to suggest other possible options for them. Here are some of these patients:

• Those who smoke have a higher risk of dental implant failure. Studies show that this bad habit can slow down tissue and bone healing. Quitting this habit weeks before or after the surgery can reduce a patient’s risk of implant failure.
• Those who have gum disease tend to have jawbone loss and inflamed gum tissue. This can result in implant failure.
• Breastfeeding women cannot get this treatment.
• Those who have ailments that affect healing cannot have dental implants.