(215) 677-2401
If you have missing teeth, then you know how having gaps in your smile can impact your quality of life. Not only does it affect your bite, but your speech and appearance as well. Luckily, dental implants can help you eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again! But how do you know if they’re the right choice for you? Although a dentist is best qualified to judge which patients can benefit from implants, here are some basic criteria that can help you decide whether you’re a good candidate.
Healthy Gums
Most people know very little about how crucial their gums are. They play an instrumental role in maintaining good oral health, protecting the root of each tooth, and securely holding them in place. However, if an infection compromises its functionality, the gums can detach from the implant and create pockets where harmful bacteria can collect. The bacteria can attach to the jawbone (which supports the implants) and cause the implant site to become infected or reject altogether. That being said, patients with gum disease may require treatment before moving forward with dental implants.
Commitment to Good Oral Health
The good news is dental implants are relatively low maintenance. You must simply care for them like natural teeth, which means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can prolong the lifespan of your implants and keep them in their very best shape!
Sufficient Bone Density
Dental implants are known to provide unmatched durability and stability. However, they only do so because they’re surgically inserted into a healthy jawbone. If a patient does not have sufficient bone density, moving forward with treatment could result in implant failure. In that case, your dentist might recommend a bone graft beforehand or suggest a different restorative procedure altogether.
No Chronic Diseases
Patients with chronic diseases are at higher risk for implant failure. For example, those with diabetes are more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. Moreover, diabetes itself can interfere with the fusion of the implant to the jawbone. Other chronic conditions (like heart disease and sleep apnea) can create complications during surgery. Therefore, your dentist may recommend a minimally invasive alternative.
Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol Excessively
Poor habits like using tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dental problems such as bone loss, dry mouth, and the inability of blood to clots. Smoking, in particular, increases your risk of gum disease and slows the healing process, which puts your implants in jeopardy. Overall, these habits make your dental implants more susceptible to failure. For the sake of your oral health, your dentist will help you put a plan in place to kick these habits to the curb.
Do you think you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Contact your dentist and ask how you can get started. With their help, you’ll have a full smile to show off in no time!
About the Practice
At Dentex Dental Group, we strive to make every appointment as comfortable, relaxing, and fulfilling as possible. Our team goes above and beyond to provide exceptional dental care that’s bound to exceed even your highest expectations. If you have missing teeth, we can restore your smile and confidence with dental implants. We’ll evaluate your oral health and help you determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for treatment. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (215) 677-3904.