Dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for replacing missing teeth over the years, but are they the right choice for you? The only way to know for sure is to set up a consultation with your dentist and let them thoroughly examine your mouth. Once they have a full picture of your oral health, they can determine your eligibility for dental implants. That being said, it’s worth being aware of these 4 signs that you could be a good dental implant candidate.
1. Your Gums are In Good Health
It’s rare for dental implants to fail, but when they do, it can often be attributed to an infection of the gums. Harmful bacteria can attack the bone and gum tissues keeping the dental implants anchored in place, damaging them over time. Thus, in order to be considered a candidate for dental implants, you need to have overall healthy gums. Any gum disease that you are currently suffering from will need to be treated before your dental implant surgery.
2. You Have Plenty of Bone in Your Jaw
Dental implants need to be able to form a lasting bond with your jaw, and they can only do so if there’s a sufficient amount of bone present. During your initial dental implant consultation, your dentist will need to confirm that you have enough bone density in your jaw. Even if you don’t, though, it may still be possible for you to get dental implants once you have undergone a bone grafting procedure.
3. You Can Commit to Taking Good Care of Your Mouth
The longevity of dental implants depends heavily on the care that you give them. You need to brush them at least two times a day, and you should make a habit of flossing and rinsing with mouthwash in order to get rid of the harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. In short, a good dental implant candidate is someone who can commit to the right oral hygiene habits to protect their newly restored smile.
4. You Don’t Have an Uncontrolled Chronic Disease
Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes can increase the chances of dental implants failing. Thus, your dentist will need to consider the overall state of your health before deciding whether dental implants are a good fit for you. Bear in mind that a chronic disease may not necessarily disqualify you from the dental implant procedure as long as it is properly managed.
About the Author
Dr. TJ Sprague went to the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center for his dental degree, and he has received advanced training in a variety of dental fields, including dental implant placement and restoration. He is proud to be able to offer start-to-finish dental implant procedures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sprague at Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow, visit his website or call (918) 250-9528.