Dental implants are one of the most appealing methods of replacing teeth. They’re strong, durable, realistic, and easily last for decades without any issues. This means that for many of the patients who are interested in filling holes in their smile, dental implants are their first choice.
That being said, you might have serious questions about whether this treatment is right for you. Here are a few signs that you could be a good dental implant candidate.
Good Oral Health
One of the most common ways that dental implants fail is via infection. While this is still fairly unlikely, your risk of bacteria compromising your new implant goes up dramatically if you already have gum disease before your treatment begins.
For that reason, your dentist will likely perform a thorough examination of your smile before clearing you for dental implants. If you already have gum disease, they will typically recommend treating it before you pursue this method of tooth replacement.
Of course, you’ll also need to maintain excellent oral hygiene after your treatment is complete, so your dentist will work with you to ensure that you’re adequately equipped to take care of your new implant.
A Strong Jaw
One of the things that makes dental implants so special is the fact that they’re connected directly to the jaw, affording them incredible stability. They’re made from biocompatible materials that are capable of fusing directly with bone tissue, allowing them to replicate the roots of missing teeth. While this is part of the reason that this restoration is so successful, it also means that you need a fairly strong jaw if you want your dental implants to be adequately supported.
If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, or if you’ve had dentures for a long time, you may be suffering from bone loss in the jaw. In this case, you could need a bone graft or sinus lift before undergoing dental implant surgery.
Good Healing Factor
When compared to many other kinds of oral surgery, recovery after the dental implant procedure is fairly easy. However, if you have an impaired healing factor, like in the case of diabetes or cancer patients, this can significantly slow down the recovery process. It’s also important to refrain from using tobacco, as this can impair your capacity to heal quickly. If you have such a condition, your dentist will likely collaborate with your doctor to ensure that you’ll be able to heal once the dental implant procedure is complete.
While some people may need preliminary treatment before their dental implant surgery, just about anyone can get them if they go through the proper steps. If you’re unhappy with holes in your smile, talk to a dentist about dental implants—they could be perfect for you!
About the Author
Dr. Sean M. Altenbach has a wealth of clinical knowledge, but he is aware that dentistry is about much more than that. He also works hard to understand his patients as unique individuals, coming to know their needs and adapting their treatment plans to them. Dr. Altenbach received his dental degree from the University of Florida, and he has earned Fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
If you have any questions about dental implants, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (904) 448-0441.