What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dentists regard dental implants as the finest available solution to tooth loss because they look and work like real teeth. This is due to them being made from high-quality materials that mimic the color, shape, and luster of enamel as well as how they are surgically placed directly into the jawbone to create a sturdy hold that can last for decades. Here are a few of the qualities that can make someone a good dental implant candidate as well as a few ways you may be able to become one yourself.

Dental Implants Need Strong Jawbones

Shortly after a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to atrophy and recede due to the loss of the exercise the tooth provided during the chewing process. Over time, this loss of bone mass can leave the jawbone too thin to host a dental implant while also causing alignment issues as the receding skeletal structure pulls the neighboring teeth out of place.

Once placed, dental implants restore this exercise, which can prevent or even reverse the process of bone loss in the jaw. If your jawbones are currently too thin to receive implants, you may be able to reinforce them with bone grafting treatments. Once you have healed from these procedures, your jawbones should be ready to host implants.

Dental Implants Require Solid Oral Health

Gum disease is the leading cause of dental implant failure, and it can only be prevented if you practice excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings. If you currently have gum disease, it will have to be resolved before you can receive implants. If it is only at the gingivitis stage, it can probably be cleared up through improved oral hygiene. However, if your gum disease has reached the periodontitis stage, you will need special treatments from your dentist to resolve it.

Dental Implant Candidates Need to Have Good Habits

In addition to practicing excellent oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly, you’ll also need to steer clear of certain bad habits to keep your implants in good shape. A few of these include:

• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can hinder your gums’ ability to heal and fight infections, making it harder for your dental implants to stay healthy.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can cause dry mouth, which makes gum disease more likely.
• Dental abuse: Using your teeth as tools to open bottles or packages or idly chewing on non-food items like ice, pens, or paperclips are great ways to injure your dental implants.

Dental implants may allow you to enjoy a beautifully complete smile after tooth loss. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you can be a suitable candidate for implants.

About the Practice

Advanced Dental Center provides excellent oral health care to the people of Parma Heights, OH. Led by Drs. Glenn Shtarkman and Caroline Salib, the staff delivers phenomenal customer service and effective and holistic care. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, contact the office online or dial (440) 885-5354.