Who Is a Candidate for Implants?

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Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment for some, and can even affect self-confidence. While there are quite a few ways to treat this problem, dental implants are a preferred choice when it comes to replacing missing teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants warrant a surgical procedure. They are artificial roots that are embedded into the jaw in order to hold replacement teeth or dental bridges in place. People who have lost teeth owing to an accident, injury, or disease can opt for dental implants.

The Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants

The fact that you have missing teeth is not enough to render you suitable for dental implants. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist in order to determine whether or not you can undergo this procedure. Even so, here are a few factors that will make you the ideal candidate.

Healthy Teeth and Gums

Your dentist will start with an oral exam. They will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. This is to get an idea as to why some of your teeth are missing. This is especially important if your teeth have not fallen out due to an accident.

Dentists tend to focus more on the gums because as mentioned earlier, artificial roots are placed inside the gums. By this logic, they need to be strong enough to hold those roots. If there is any sign of distress pertaining to the gums, or tissues that are affected by periodontal disease, you might not be a suitable candidate to receive dental implants.

Great Bone Density

This is crucial because if the bone in the jaw is not able to support the dental implant, it would defeat the purpose of the procedure.

The stronger the jaw, the better the support offered to dental implants. In order for such a surgery to be truly successful, dental implants need to be held firmly in position or else simple, everyday acts like chewing and eating will cause them to loosen.

Good Oral Hygiene

The ideal candidate for dental implants needs to check all the boxes that fall within oral care. This includes brushing at least twice a day, rinsing the mouth with a fluoride mouthwash, and flossing every night before bed.

All of these habits discourage plaque build-up. They will also collectively reduce the risk of infection during surgery.

No Smoking Habit

Here's one more reason not to smoke. Non-smokers have a higher probability to be approved for dental implants. This is simply due to the fact that smoking can be an impediment during the healing period post-surgery.

Smokers who have quit or are in the process of giving up the habit also qualify for the procedure.

Patience

This is the most subjective trait of all because there is no way for any dentist to ascertain how patient you are. If you're lucky enough to have met the aforementioned criteria, you are responsible to make sure you give your jaw enough time to heal. Patience is key because dental implants can easily take between four months to a year to heal properly.

If you're looking to get dental implants, don't delay. Schedule an appointment with ComfortCare Dental today!