Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Using implants to replace your missing teeth is the best decision you can ever make. Dental implants are the closest thing to achieving healthy and natural teeth. Missing one or several teeth is detrimental to your overall oral health. It interrupts your chewing ability, smile, and self-esteem.
However, while dental implants are an excellent solution for restoring most patients’ confidence and oral well-being, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure. Ideal candidates for dental implants should:
1. Have Missing Tooth/Teeth
Dental implants are done to replace single or multiple missing teeth. The procedure involves attaching dental crowns to plant abutment. Therefore, an ideal candidate should have a gap for the implant procedure to be successful. If part of the tooth is missing, the patient should undergo tooth extraction before the procedure. Dental implants are preferred to partial dentures because of their unique benefits. Implants are comfortable, durable, and prevent bone loss.
2. Have Good Gum and Bone Health
Dental implants are available for anyone with a healthy jawbone and gums. When we lose teeth, our jawbones often begin to lose tissue, as well. Consequently, there may not be enough bone to support implants, which can undermine your results. However, if you have lost bone tissue in your jaw, you can boost your candidacy with a bone grafting procedure and potentially improve your chances for a successful implant.
3. Good Oral Hygiene
Candidates for dental implants should also have good oral health. Dental infections and other oral problems significantly interfere with the surgical process. You should also commit to taking great care of your oral hygiene after the process, especially areas around the gum. Dentists recommend daily flossing, brushing, and routine follow-ups to keep the implants healthy.
4. Understand the Dental Implants Process
The process of installing dental implants is more invasive than the traditional process of fixing missing teeth, such as fixed bridges and dentures. Therefore, patients who prefer implants should have an extensive understanding of the entire procedure and comfortable with the minor surgery. Your dentists will guide you through the entire process to ensure the procedure is completed successfully.
5. Non-smoker
Tobacco use and smoking prevent osseointegration from happening and general healing after the dental implant procedure. Smoking after the procedure increases the risks of failure. While you should quit smoking before scheduling the procedure, consult your dentists about your oral health status and eligibility for the procedure.
Talk to Your Dentist
You shouldn’t let missing teeth affect your chewing ability, smile, and self-esteem. Call us at Shemen Dental Group to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our dental implant procedure. Every dental implant procedure is tailored to the individual. Our doctors can discuss your options with you and design a treatment plan best suited to your needs. We use CEREC technology to plan surgery and create the final restorations, expediting treatment and ensuring predictable, beneficial results.
