The missing teeth you have can get in the way of your daily life. You might want to get back to a full smile you feel confident in, and dental implants are often a great choice for many people. They are natural-looking and durable, but you will need to be a good candidate to get them. There are several things your dentist looks for, so here are three qualities that improve your odds of being eligible for them.
1.) Your Oral Health Is Strong
If you have any oral health issues, then they’ll need to be taken care of first. Gum disease, cavities, and the like can get in the way of a successful treatment. The bacteria can attack the soft and bone tissue as you recover from placement surgery, leading to wobbly results and failure when left untreated. Thankfully, by brushing and flossing twice a day, you can do your part in making sure your mouth is prime for this service.
2.) You Keep Up with Your Overall Health
This tooth replacement is in your mouth, but your overall health is something that’ll be considered. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, can slow down your recovery.
If you don’t heal properly, then you increase your risk of an infection and failure. Thankfully, by making sure they are managed, implants can still be a possibility. Just be sure to let your dentist know about them so they can better prepare for any possible complications.
Not only that, but if you smoke, then that can also affect your candidacy. Tobacco can make you more prone to gum disease, and it impacts your immune system. Jawbone loss is also a possibility, so you may get unstable results. Consider quitting entirely or talk to your dentist about what you should do to ensure nothing goes awry.
3.) Your Jawbone is Dense Enough
As was hinted at above, dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone. The bone will grow around it and make it one with your oral anatomy. However, your jaw will need to be dense enough to support it in the first place.
Some people can get it right away, but others may not. The good news is you’re not out of luck if you’re in the latter group; a bone graft may be possible to reinforce the areas that need it most. That way, they can support the tooth replacement and reduce your risk of complications.
In the end, the best way to know if dental implants are right for you is by talking to your dentist. They will take a look at everything above and make sure you can have a successful treatment. While some might get it right away, don’t get disheartened if you need preliminary treatments or another service. You’ll be able to know your next steps to getting a full smile once again.
About the Author
Dr. David Tillman earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He has over 30 years of experience and has completed more than 2,500 hours of continuing education. Dr. Tillman’s advanced training allows him to place dental implants in-office, so you stick with him and his team every step of the way. If you want to restore your missing teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (817) 870-4746.