Dental implants are the name of the game when it comes to replacing missing teeth. These awesome little implants can easily and effectively restore the look, feel, and functionality of your lost pearly whites. That said, if you’re suffering from missing teeth, you might be interested in receiving dental implants to restore your smile to its former glory. However, you’re not sure if you’re a suitable candidate for implants! Keep reading to learn about five characteristics that make a good dental implant candidate.
1. Healthy Gums
Since dental implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, your gums must be healthy enough to support them and keep them firmly anchored in place! If your gums have been compromised by the likes of gum disease, they won’t be able to adequately support your implants. Patients with gum disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy before they can receive implants.
2. Sufficient Jawbone Density
Like your gums, your jawbone also needs to be able to support your implants. If you don’t have sufficient jawbone density, the titanium posts of your implants will not be able to successfully fuse with your jawbone. This will ultimately lead to implant failure! That said, a supplementary dental bone graft might be necessary before your jawbone can fully support implants.
3. Commitment to Oral Health
Having dental implants doesn’t excuse you from practicing good oral hygiene, as they need to be cared for just like your natural teeth! So going into the process with a commitment to dental health is crucial, as it ensures that your good oral hygiene habits will translate into you taking great care of your implants.
4. Chronic Disease-Free
Chronic diseases can make life complicated and can also create risks for dental implant patients. For example, patients with diabetes have a higher rate of dental implant failure, since diabetes interferes with glucose levels in the saliva as well as the fusion between the implants and the jawbone. Other chronic conditions can lead to complications during the actual surgery, such as heart disease and sleep apnea potentially interfering with the administration of anesthesia.
5. No Smoking or Excessive Drinking
Smoking is notoriously bad for your oral health, and it can interfere with the healing of your implant sites. It also increases the risk of gum disease, which is a direct threat to your implants. Excessive alcohol consumption can also interfere with healing after implant surgery, in addition to drying out your mouth and inhibiting the clotting of blood. Drinking alcohol over time can also lead to bone loss, which makes implants difficult, if not impossible, to place.
Dental implants can completely change your life and your smile for the better, but only if they’re given the chance! If you’re interested in receiving dental implants, talk with your dentist to see if you’re a good candidate. Even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed above, it’s not too late to make some changes and prepare yourself for an awesome new smile.
About the Practice
Sunny Smile Dental proudly serves patients and families in the Dallas area under the leadership of Dr. Sung-Hee Lee! Dr. Lee received her dental doctorate from the Baylor College of Dentistry and maintains active membership in several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her practice is pleased to offer many available services including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (972) 481-8800.