5 Characteristics That Make You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there! Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they offer a wide range of additional benefits that you can’t get from traditional dentures or dental implants. To achieve this, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process, including a surgical procedure, that takes place over the course of several months, so not everyone is a good candidate. Continue reading to learn which characteristics are necessary to be a good candidate for dental implants.

Excellent Oral Hygiene

If you don’t take care of your smile now, how will your dentist know that you will when you get your dental implants? Dental implants need to be well maintained to be successful. This means brushing twice and flossing every day. Rinsing with mouthwash is another helpful step to fight against harmful bacteria. With healthy surrounding teeth, your dental implants are more likely to last.

Healthy Gums

You are more likely to develop gum disease when you have dental implants than with natural teeth. When you have buildups of plaque along the gumline, an infection can develop. Over time, pockets will form between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria collect. In the end, if you don’t receive treatment, the bacteria will attack the bone that supports your implant. Healthy gum tissue is required to support a healthy implant.

Sufficient Jawbone

Dental implants need to be firmly anchored into the jawbone. They fuse together in a process called “osseointegration.” However, when you are missing teeth, the jawbone isn’t being stimulated by regular biting and chewing, so it is reabsorbed by the body. Ultimately, you will experience bone loss. It can even shrink to the point where it can long longer properly support an implant. At this point, bone grafting is necessary, or you will need to choose another tooth replacement option.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

If you have a habit of smoking or drinking heavily, you will need to avoid this during the dental implant process. This is because smoking doubles your risk of developing gum disease and slows down the healing process. If you smoke before your surgery, this can contribute to bone loss and make it more challenging for the implants to be placed. Drinking excessively can also interfere with the healing process by causing dry mouth and inhibiting the formation of blood clots.

Good General Health

Some chronic diseases can create further risks for patients during dental implant surgery. For instance, if you have diabetes, you may be more likely to experience dental implant failure. This is because diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to prevent and fight against infections. It can also interfere with the osseointegration process. You should discuss any medical conditions with your dentist ahead of time.

To find out if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, they can examine your smile and put together a plan to meet your needs!

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar is an experienced dentist serving patients in the Denton community. He earned his dental doctorate from the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. He offers dental implant restorations to help patients get their smiles back! To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation to find out if you are a good candidate, visit his website or call (940) 566-5332.