How to Tell If You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
December 30, 2015
Are you considering dental implants to replace a missing tooth or improve an oral issue? Before you undergo dental implant treatment, a general dentist in Dallas, TX will thoroughly examine your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. During the procedure, the doctor will implant a titanium post beneath the gum line and into the jawbone. While these implants can improve your overall bone and oral health, you will need to have fairly healthy gums and oral bones beforehand to ensure a greater likelihood of success.
The 3 Main Qualities of a Dental Implant Candidate
When a general dentist in Dallas, TX evaluates patients for dental implant treatment, he or she will look for three things:
- Patients should have healthy gums without redness, tenderness, inflammation and gingivitis.
- The jawbone needs to be strong enough to provide sturdy support to the titanium insert.
- Patients must commit to a regular and thorough dental hygiene routine including daily flossing, twice daily brushing and regular dental check-ups.
For patients with low bone mass, bone grafts and other procedures can rebuild the bone, allowing them to eventually receive a dental implant.
Factors That May Disqualify a Patient
Because dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure, certain habits, genetic predispositions and other factors may disqualify a patient including:
- Hemophilia
- Heavy smoking
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Certain medications
- Immune system disorders and/or deficiencies
- Connective tissue diseases
- Youth and adolescents with growing jawbones
- Excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth
In many cases, having any of the above may not immediately disqualify a patient depending on the severity.
To learn more about if you are a good candidate for dental implants, you should talk to our local dentist Dr. Michael Neeley for expert advice. Feel free to make an appointment with our friendly staff at 214.302.0428 and take the next step in your oral care.