4 Ways to Tell if You’re a Good Dental Implant Candidate

Keeping your natural teeth for the rest of your life should always be your first choice, of course. If that’s not possible, then you’ll need to give serious consideration to how you’re going to fill the empty space in your mouth. Dental implants are often said to be the best option for tooth replacement, but is that true in your case? Your dentist is the most qualified person to determine whether or not you’re a good dental implant candidate, but the following 4 qualities can give you a clue.  

1. Your Gums are Still Healthy

Dental implant failure is very rare, but when it does occur, it’s often attributed to gum disease. When plaque and tartar build up and create an infection, the bacteria they contain might start to attack the bone in your jaw. Without a healthy amount of bone, your implants will start to come loose. In other words, if you’re currently suffering from gum disease, it may be too risky to try and place dental implants. Thus, you’ll need to either confirm that your gums are currently healthy or undergo periodontal therapy.

2. You Have Excellent Oral Hygiene Habits

Even if you don’t currently have gum disease, you could develop it in the future if you don’t take care of your mouth. Dental implants need to be brushed and flossed at least twice a day, just like your real teeth. Mouthwash isn’t always considered a requirement for good oral health, but it can help you fight bacteria that might lead to an infection. Think about your current oral hygiene routine and any improvements you might need to make before getting dental implants.

3. You Have Not Suffered from Bone Loss

The dental implant process relies on osseointegration, which is where your jawbone gradually fuses with the titanium implant posts, anchoring them in place. However, if your teeth have been missing for a while, your jawbone might have already shrunk to the point where it can no longer successfully join with and support an implant. For this reason, it’s better to try and have implants placed as soon as possible. The good news is that bone grafts can make it possible to undergo implant surgery even after bone loss.

4. You Do Not Suffer from a Chronic Disease

Specific chronic diseases could lower the success rate of dental implants. For example, if you have diabetes, you’re more likely to develop gum disease, and your condition might interfere with the osseointegration process. Other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, might affect the surgery itself. These diseases may not necessarily stop you from getting implants, but they definitely need to be taken into account.

If you meet the above criteria, or if you still have questions about your candidacy for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist right away. The sooner you decide whether implants are right for you, the sooner you can smile with confidence again!

About Bethel Dental

At Bethel Dental, our commitment to providing comprehensive, personalized service is evident through our multiple talented dentists, our state-of-the-art technology, and our warm, welcoming office environment. We have helped many patients restore their smiles for dental implants, and we can help quickly narrow down whether the treatment is right for you. To schedule a dental implant consultation, visit our website.