Having one or more missing teeth can make daily oral habits difficult to practice, such as eating, talking, and smiling. If you’re considering getting a tooth replacement, then dental implants will provide the most comprehensive solution. Even though you can be sure to enjoy multiple benefits from these titanium posts, you’ll first need to be eligible to undergo the procedure. Read on to learn five qualities that can make you an ideal dental implant candidate!
#1: Good Oral Health
One of the most important factors to ensure the success of your dental implants is to practice proper oral hygiene. Fortunately, these metal posts won’t require any special techniques or cleaning products to maintain them, so you’ll simply have to care for them like with your natural teeth. This should involve brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing regularly with mouthwash to fight off harmful bacteria. By keeping your gums and other teeth clean and healthy, your dental implants should last much longer.
#2: Sufficient Jawbone Density
Your implants will be directly embedded into your jawbone to support your new pearly whites. However, due to a lack of stimulation from missing teeth, your bone tissue may become reabsorbed by your body. Without enough jawbone mass, the osseointegration process may not be successful, resulting in implant failure. A bone graft would be necessary for this situation, or you may have to consider another restoration option, like dentures.
#3: Healthy Gums
Other than your jawbone, your gum tissue will need to be free of bacteria and infection. If you have plaque or tartar buildup along your gum line, you could develop periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can significantly reduce your chances of a successful treatment, resulting in dental implant failure. Your dentist will first have to address the issue with gum disease therapy to ensure a healthy foundation for your metal posts.
#4: Excellent Overall Health
Chronic disease can pose a risk if you’re undergoing dental implant surgery. If you have diabetes, your body may have a challenging time preventing and fighting against oral infections as well as disrupting osseointegration. Your dentist will make sure to review your medical history and work alongside your primary physician to help you move forward with your treatment.
#5: Good Lifestyle Habits
Smoking and excessive alcohol use can increase your risk of developing gum disease. These products can also delay your healing process, which is essential for the stability of your dental implants. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid using these items before and after your treatment or quit them altogether.
The best way to know if you’re a good dental implant candidate is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll be more than happy to assess your situation and help determine if this is the best approach to restoring your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. He’s also a proud member of several prominent groups like the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He offers a wide selection of high-quality and comprehensive services, including dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 505-896-9399.