Can You Qualify for Dental Implants
December 29, 2015
Dental implants have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason, too. They offer a number of unique benefits, and if properly cared for, can last a lifetime. Yet as your periodontist in Jacksonville, FL will tell you, not everyone is the ideal candidate for this procedure. Certain medical conditions and characteristics could potentially preclude you from qualifying to receive implants. Understanding what these are will help you to determine your candidacy prior to your consultation with Dr. Wood.
Understanding the Ideal Conditions for Implants
In order for dental implants to remain affixed to your jaw, the ideal conditions must be present. These include:
- Healthy gum tissue: Implants need to be maintained in the same manner as regular teeth. Diseased or unhealthy gum tissue can compromise the integrity of your implants much the same way they do with your normal teeth, such as loosening the connective tissue the secures the implant to the jaw bone.
- Adequate jaw bone density: Because dental implants are rooted into your jaw bone, you need to have sufficient bone density for Dr. Wood to work with. Once you have lost a tooth, the underlying jaw bone can deteriorate. Thus, it is important that you seek treatment soon after losing a tooth.
- The time to complete the process: The entire process of receiving your dental implant screws to having your permanent crowns placed can take up to six months. Therefore, you need to be committed to actively participating in the placement and recovery process in order for your procedure to be successful.
Remember that even if the condition of your gums or jaw bone is not currently to the point of being able to support dental implants, there are other treatments that can get you there. Your periodontist in Jacksonville, FL should be able to tell you if this is a possibility.
It is important to remember that these are simply facts and figures and not a substitute for an actual medical consultation. An appointment with Dr. Wood can help to answer any questions that you may have as well as provide you with other treatment alternative should you not qualify for implants. Call us at 904.416.1436 to schedule your appointment today.