The growing popularity of dental implants has many people wondering if it would be a wise solution for replacing their missing teeth and getting their smile back. However, some qualifying factors go into the decision of whether or not to install implants. Dentists check for these factors prior to the placement procedure in a consultation; without this step, the implants may not be successful, wasting everyone’s time, money, and hopes. Read on to learn whether you’re a good fit for the procedure.
Are You in Good Medical Health?
Being in good general health is one of the first criteria for receiving dental implants. Your dentist will want to know your medical history and current medications you take before proceeding with any work.
If you suffer from any diseases like diabetes or osteoarthritis, make sure you treat it and keep it under control. Certain conditions can prevent your body from healing properly after your procedure or increase your chances of complication and failure.
Are Your Gums Healthy?
Healthy gums will offer support to the implants that are placed into your jawbone. Gum disease can weaken the soft tissue and bones that support dental implants. In other words, if you have infected gums, you shouldn’t get implants yet. Your dentist can treat gum disease, but it will take time to reverse the trend to get a stable foundation for your implants.
Do You Have Enough Bone in Your Jaw?
Implants must be securely anchored to the jawbone. The fusion process helps ensure that implants remain stable and permanent. However, losing teeth over time can cause the jawbone to weaken and shrink, making it unsuitable for implant support.
Fortunately, if your jawbone lacks sufficient density, bone grafts can promote new bone growth, creating enough strength and reinforcement for implant placement.
You won’t be able to tell if you have enough jawbone density until you get a detailed CBCT scan with your dentist. This technology allows them to see what jawbone you have as well as plan the procedure with more precision.
Are you Committed to Oral Hygiene?
If you want successful implants, it’s important that you take care of them like you would natural teeth. Successful care of implants includes:
- Brushing and flossing daily.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Avoiding hard foods and monitoring your intake of sugar and starch.
- Semi-annual dental visits for checkups, cleanings, and X-rays.
For some of these factors, you may not know whether you check the boxes on your own. That’s why a professional, one-on-one consultation is essential to start off the dental implant process. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and discuss whether you’d be a good candidate.
About the Author
Dr. Niki Jayswal of Nexus Dental of Lewisville is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry with honors, and a member of nationally renowned dental groups including the American Dental Association and the Dallas County Dental Society. Since she was a child, she’s been fascinated with helping her patients grow personally and socially through improving their smiles. Curious if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Schedule your appointment with Nexus Dental of Lewisville on our website or contact our office by phone at (972) 366-4452.