3 Signs You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
Posted on: 11 January 2022
Dental implant surgery may be an option if you suffer from tooth loss—perhaps due to an injury, periodontal disease or some other reason. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment option.
A dentist will need to evaluate the bone mass in your jaw and oral health, as well as general body health to determine if you qualify for the treatment. Here are three telltale signs you're a good candidate for dental implants.
You Have Adequate Bone Mass
Good candidates should have enough bone to support and anchor the implants once installed. Gum infections like gingivitis can destroy bone mass in the jaw. And without a strong bone, the implants will not have a stable base and become loose from chewing.
Although good bone support is required for dental implant placement, you can still get the treatment, even if you've lost bone in your jaw. In this case, your dentist may recommend grafting procedures or sinus lifts as part of the implant process. These supplementary procedures help rebuild the bone mass and strengthen the jaw to reinforce the implant.
You Have Good Oral Health
A good candidate should not have gum diseases that could interrupt the surgical procedure. Healthy gums are crucial because dental specialists work closely with your gums when conducting the procedure. If you have oral health issues like periodontal disease, your dentist has to successfully treat the condition before conducting dental implant replacement.
Furthermore, you have to be committed to taking exemplary care of your oral hygiene after the dental implant treatment. Brushing, flossing and using a good mouthwash at least twice a day should be enough to keep your mouth and gums in tip-top shape. Routine follow-up visits to your dentist will also be vital in maintaining your implants after treatment.
You Don't Have Existing Health Conditions
The dental implant procedure typically involves making incisions and sutures in the patient's gums to access their jawbone. The dentist will drill a hole into the patient's jaw to insert the implant. Thus, patients should be healthy enough to withstand the stress that this oral surgery procedure can put on their bodies.
If you have health issues like diabetes, you may find it difficult to recover from any surgical treatment. The dentist will evaluate your medical history and recommend the appropriate treatment before they pursue dental implant surgery. Your dentist can also suggest that you quit certain medications to be eligible for implants.
Certain medications, like steroids, suppress the body's immune system and derail the recovery time. Overall, it's best to consult your local implant dentist in detail to determine if dental implant treatment is right for you. Doing so helps you take the necessary steps in the right direction.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for dental implant services near you.
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