If you are missing one or more teeth, you have probably heard about some of the benefits of dental implants. Truly, they are the best way to replace lost dentition! But are they right for you? You can only find out for sure by visiting a qualified dentist. In the meantime, you can learn about some of the basic qualifications of implant candidates by reading this blog post.
You Are Free of Active Gum Disease
When gum disease is present, it can lead to implant failure by weakening the gums and jawbone. It can even cause so much damage that implants start to loosen! Therefore, it is crucial to treat any gum disease before you undergo implant surgery. This might involve a deep cleaning of the mouth, changes to your oral hygiene routine, and other treatments.
You Are in Fair Overall Health
Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease may affect your body’s ability to heal, so it is important to manage any chronic health issues before moving forward with dental implants. Additionally, adequate immune function is important for preventing post-surgical infections.
Your dentist may require a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough for the procedure. This could include blood tests, a review of your medical history, and consultations with other healthcare providers if necessary.
You Have a Strong Jawbone
A strong jawbone is necessary to anchor dental implants firmly in place. To determine if your bone is up to the task, your dental team may take X-rays or other imaging scans.
You might need to undergo a bone grafting procedure if your jawbone lacks sufficient density or volume. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the jaw to build up its structure, which can be sourced from other parts of your body or from synthetic materials. A bone graft might extend your tooth replacement timeline by several months, but it significantly enhances the chances of successful implant integration.
You Stick to Good Habits
Candidates for dental implants should have good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing, to ensure the long-term success of their dental implants. Commitment to maintaining these habits is vital for preventing complications such as peri-implantitis, an infection around dental implants. In addition to daily home care, regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential to monitor the health of the implants and surrounding tissues.
You Are Free of Bad Habits that Might Harm Your Implants
Avoiding bad habits, such as smoking, is important for implant success. Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure, so if you smoke, you should be willing to quit or at least cut way back on this habit. Other habits to avoid include excessive alcohol consumption and poor dietary choices, both of which can negatively impact oral health.
Do you think dental implants might be right for you? Visit a dentist to learn about your next steps for rebuilding your smile!
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Newington, our team is proud to offer comprehensive dental implant services. If you are curious about whether you qualify for this form of tooth replacement, we are ready to evaluate your case. Most patients can get implants, either right away or after some preliminary care! To learn more or to request an appointment, contact our office at 860-856-6201.