Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?

Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants can take the place of one or more missing teeth and are considered to be the gold standard in artificial tooth replacement. They are highly functional and have the natural appearance of a real tooth. 

While dental implants make a great solution for many patients, they aren’t the ideal option for everyone. Let’s take a look at what candidates for dental implants often have in common. 

Good Oral Health

To recover well from the dental implant procedure without any issues, any current oral health issues will need to be addressed. This especially includes any decay or infections. Healthy gums are vital, as well - and any signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease must be handled before moving forward. 

An ideal candidate for dental implants doesn’t have to have perfect oral health, but tackling any issues as they arise needs to be a priority. 

Maintaining a dental implant is important, too. This is why having a superior oral hygiene routine is so important. Brushing at least twice per day, flossing, and visiting your dentist every 6 months are all steps that will be necessary to promote the health and longevity of a dental implant. 

Good Bone Density

Dental implants work because the implant fuses together with the bone in order to act as an anchor for the artificial tooth. This keeps it supported for years to come. For those who have suffered from bone loss in their jaw bone, the bone density may be insufficient to go through with the dental implant procedure successfully. 

Ready for some good news? 

If bone density has been lost, it can be rebuilt. This procedure is known as bone grafting and it adds additional bone to your current jaw bone so that there will eventually be a dense enough bone to secure the implant. 

No Smoking or Tobacco Use

Not only is smoking terrible for your overall health, but it wreaks havoc on your oral health. Consuming tobacco in any form will likely hinder the chances of being a dental implant candidate. 

In a nutshell, smoking interferes with the body’s ability to heal - putting the overall success of the implant in jeopardy. 

Patience

The process of getting a dental implant can be quite lengthy. Remember, the implant itself needs to fuse with the jaw bone and this can take at least a couple of months. If bone grafting is required to boost the density of the jaw bone, then an additional couple of months (or more) will be required for healing before the implant process can even begin. 

Healing has to take place through each step before moving forward. In all, expect the process of getting dental implants to last a few months - at least. This is why patience is so important. 

Dental Implants at 376 Dental Studio

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to book an appointment with 376 Dental Studio. We will be able to perform an examination and determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants - and how you can get started. 

Ready to learn more? Contact us today at 781-373-3068. Or, book online.