Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Are you among the millions of Americans struggling with missing teeth? If so, you likely know from experience the profound impact it can have on your confidence and overall quality of life. From difficulty chewing and speaking to self-consciousness about your appearance, the effects of tooth loss can be far-reaching. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a transformative solution in the form of dental implants! Before embarking on the journey to rebuild your smile, it’s essential to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants. Read on to learn if you meet the basic criteria of a viable implant candidate!

Commitment to Oral Health

Dental implants have an impressive success rate, easily lasting up to 20 years or more with proper care. This involves practicing good oral hygiene habits, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an ADA-approved mouthwash. Additionally, regular dental checkups are crucial for monitoring the health of your implants and addressing any issues promptly.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums serve as the foundation for dental implants, providing crucial support and stability. If you have gum disease or other conditions affecting the health of your gums, it’s necessary to address these issues before proceeding with implant surgery. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as scaling and root planing to restore gum health and ensure the success of your implants.

Adequate Bone Density

One of the unique features of dental implants is their placement within the jawbone, where they integrate and fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This process, known as osseointegration, is essential for the long-term stability and success of the implants. However, sufficient bone density is necessary to support the implants securely. If you have experienced bone loss due to tooth extraction or other factors, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to augment the bone structure and ensure the success of your implants.

Free of Chronic Diseases

Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can impact the success of dental implant surgery. Patients with these conditions may have a higher risk of complications, including infections and delayed healing. Therefore, you must work closely with your healthcare providers to manage these conditions effectively before undergoing implant surgery. Your dentist may collaborate with your medical team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your unique health needs.

Avoid of Poor Dental Habits

Smoking, using tobacco products, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly impact oral health and increase the risk of implant failure. These habits can interfere with the healing process, compromise gum health, and contribute to bone loss – all of which can jeopardize the success of your implants. If you currently engage in these habits, quitting or reducing them is essential to ensure the longevity of your implants.

About the Practice

At Alamo Springs Dental, we want to help you achieve your dream grin with dental implants. During your consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough examination to determine if you’re a viable candidate for implant treatment. If you’re ready to start your smile journey, visit our website or give us a call at (210) 346-0967 to book your appointment!