Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

Dental implants are the most effective option for replacing missing teeth. Unfortunately, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this procedure. In order to conclusively determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants, you will need to consult an experienced implant dentist.

Generally, ideal candidates for dental implants meet the following criteria:

• Good overall health – As with any surgical procedure, you must be in good overall health. At your consultation, you should discuss your medical history with your implant dentist since certain conditions may rule you out as a candidate.
• Sufficient jaw bone density – You must have sufficient jaw bone density to accommodate the dental implant. In some cases, you may be able to undergo a bone graft if you don’t have enough healthy bone tissue.
• Healthy gum tissue – Your gums must be in good health and be able to heal properly following the placement of your dental implants. If you have gum disease, you may need to undergo periodontal treatment before moving forward with your dental implant procedure.
• Non-smoker – Smoking negatively impacts your body’s ability to heal, and it introduces foreign substances to your mouth when you inhale. Therefore, you will need to quit smoking several weeks before getting dental implants and refrain from smoking during the recovery period.
• Patience – The dental implant procedure takes a long time to complete. Your jawbone will need several months to heal after the implant is placed. During this healing phase, called osseointegration, the implant will fuse to your jawbone, making it a stable replacement root. Once osseointegration is complete, you will need to have the abutment placed, and the dental lab will need time to create your dental crown. This entire process can take approximately three to six months. If you are looking for a quicker solution, you may want to consider other options.

Please contact an experienced dentist in your area today to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.