For many patients and dentists alike, dental implants are the tooth replacement option of choice. Even though many people would prefer them over other options, dental implants aren’t the right fit for everyone. So, how can you know if dental implants are a good option for you? Read on to learn about five qualities that a good dental implant candidate should have before moving forward with the procedure.
#1: Excellent Oral Hygiene
Dental implants can’t get cavities, but your remaining teeth can. If left untreated, these cavities can develop into gum disease, which may lead to you losing your teeth or implants. It’s important to prove that you’re a good candidate for dental implants by brushing twice and flossing once per day to remove plaque and food particles from your mouth and lessen your chances of decay.
#2: Healthy Gums
The gums help hold your teeth in place. Dental implants are also inserted directly through them and into the jawbone. For this reason, if you have an infection of the gums called gum disease, it will need to be treated before you can move forward with the implant procedure.
#3: Good Lifestyle Choices
Smoking and drinking can both lead to dry mouth, which can result in cavities and gum disease. Smoking also triples your risk of implant failure, raises your chances of developing oral cancer, puts you at a much higher risk of developing infections, and impedes the healing process. Cut out or cut back on these bad habits to raise your chances of having a successful implant procedure.
#4: A Healthy Jawbone
Titanium dental implants are biocompatible, which means that they can fuse with the bone of the jaw through osseointegration. your jaw needs to be healthy and dense enough to support implants for this process to be successful. If you don’t have a dense enough jaw bone, your dentist may recommend a bone graft.
#5: Great Overall Health
If someone has heart disease, this will make anesthesia less effective. Additionally, those who are living with diabetes are prone to infections and less effective at tackling them. Diabetes also impedes osseointegration, which can cause your implants to fail. If you have one of these or another chronic condition, let your dentist know so they can take the necessary precautions.
Now that you know what it takes to be a good dental implant candidate, speak with your dentist to see if this tooth replacement option is right for you. You’ll be sporting a new and improved smile before you know it!
About the Practice
If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, Julington Creek Family Dentistry can help. They offer dental implants that are stable, lifelike, and can even last a lifetime. During your consultation, they can help you determine if you’re a good candidate. If not, the two of you can discuss a plan to make you into a good dental implant candidate so you can achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to make an appointment or want more information on their dental implants? If so, visit their website or call Julington Creek Family Dentistry at (904) 230-2961.