Many patients have questions about dental implants and want to know if they are a good candidate. Despite having been around for decades, many perceive dental implants as a new thing. Nonetheless, you will need dentist approval to receive the procedure. Your jawbone must have the strength to handle the procedure.
“To be a good candidate for dental implant treatment, your jaws must have enough bone and we must be able to expect uncomplicated bone healing. This varies from person to person, and there are a number of factors to consider.”
The list of factors considered include:
• Are you in good health?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Are you a smoker?
• Are you taking any medications that could complicate healing?
• Do you have enough bone?
• Is the bone strong enough?
Who is not a good candidate?
• Those receiving radiation treatment to head and neck,
• People with hemophilia,
• Those with suppressed immune systems,
• People with uncontrolled diabetes, and
• Those with connective tissue disease.
However, you may still be a candidate if these conditions are controlled. Some good news is neither age nor gender is a problem. All adults of all ages can benefit from dental implants.
Who should consider dental implants?
• If you lost one or more teeth,
• If you are frustrated with your full dentures or partial,
• If your dentures are loose and ill-fitting,
• If your dentures are causing sores,
• If tooth loss is changing your facial appearance,
• If you lost bone at the location of a tooth extraction, or
• If you are considering bridgework, but worry about damages to adjacent teeth.
Your dentist is able to determine if you have enough bone strength to support dental implants. If you would like more information, or would like to schedule an appointment to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, please contact us.