When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are becoming a more and more popular option. But how will you know if you’re qualified to get them? In order to be considered a dental implant candidate, you need to be able to meet certain criteria. Below is a closer look at 4 characteristics that could indicate that dental implants are a good fit for your smile.
1. Your Gums are in Good Health
An infection of the gums could easily lead to dental implant failure. Harmful bacteria could attack the gum and bone tissue holding the implant post in place, causing it to come loose. As such, before you can receive dental implants, your prosthodontist will need to make sure that your gums are in good health. Any gum disease that’s currently present in your mouth will need to be identified and treated.
2. You are Committed to Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
The long-term success of your dental implants largely depends on your ability to take care of them. This means keeping the area around them as clean as possible in order to minimize the risk of an infection. Plan on brushing your dental implants at least two times a day. You should also make a habit of flossing and rinsing with mouthwash to get rid of bacteria that are hiding in spots you can’t reach with a toothbrush.
3. You Have Plenty of Bone in Your Jaw
To be successful, dental implants need to form a bond with the jawbone. However, they can only do this if there’s a sufficient level of bone density. Thus, your prosthodontist will need to confirm that there’s enough bone in your jaw for the dental implant process.
It should be noted that when teeth are missing, it often results in the deterioration of the jawbone. Thus, if your teeth have been gone for a while, you have likely already experienced some level of bone loss. Consequently, you might need a bone graft before you can be considered a dental implant candidate.
4. You are in Good Health Overall
Certain medical conditions might increase your risk of experiencing dental implant failure. For example, diabetes can have a negative impact on your body’s ability to heal, which can cause problems while your dental implants are attempting to bond with the jaw. Your prosthodontist can review the current state of your health and let you know about any conditions that might affect your dental implant candidacy.
About the Author
Dr. Randold Binns is a graduate of the University of Panama School of Dentistry, and he received his Certificate in Advanced Prosthodontics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. His Naples practice, Advanced Prosthodontics & Implant Esthetics, offers dental implants as a solution for any number of missing teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Binns, visit his website or call (239) 775-2455.