If you have suffered from tooth loss in the past, you know how much of a struggle it can be to complete daily tasks. Just a single missing tooth can making is much more challenging to eat your favorite foods, speak clearly, and feel confident when smiling. The good news is that there are a variety of tooth replacement options out there, including dental implants. While they have so many unique benefits, they aren’t necessarily a great choice for everyone. Continue reading to learn about the characteristics you need to be a good dental implant candidate.
Excellent Oral Hygiene Regimen
If you aren’t caring for your smile now, who’s to say that you will once you have your dental implants placed? Implants need to be well cared for in order to be successful. This means brushing twice and flossing at least once a day. Another helpful step is rinsing with a mouthwash to fight against harmful bacteria. With healthy surrounding teeth, your implants are much more likely to be successful in the long run.
Optimal Gum Health
You are more likely to develop gum disease when you have dental implants than you are with your natural teeth. When you have plaque buildups along your gumline, an infection can occur. Over time, this will create “pockets” between the teeth a gums where harmful bacteria collect. Ultimately, if you don’t receive treatment, the bacteria will attach the bond that supports your implant. Healthy gum tissue is required to support a healthy implant.
Wholesome Lifestyle Choices
If you have a habit of smoking or drinking heavily, you will need to avoid doing so during the dental implant process. This is because smoking doubles your risk of gum disease and can slow down the healing process. If you smoke before your surgery, this can contribute to bone loss and make it more difficult for the implants to be placed. Drinking too much can interfere with healing as well by causing dry mouth and inhibiting the clotting of blood.
Sufficient Jawbone
Implants need to be anchored firmly into the jawbone. They will fuse together in a process known as “osseointegration.” However, if you are missing teeth, your jawbone isn’t being stimulated by regular biting and chewing, so it is reabsorbed by the body. The bone can even shrink to the point where it can no longer support an implant. At this point, a bone graft would be needed, or you would have to opt for another tooth replacement option.
Good Overall Health
Certain chronic conditions can increase risks for patients undergoing implant surgery. For example, if you have diabetes, you may be more likely to experience a dental implant failure. This is because diabetes makes it more difficult for your body to prevent and fight back infections. It can also interfere with the osseointegration process. Heart disease and sleep apnea can be problematic when combined with anesthesia. Talk to your dentist about your health history and medications to determine whether or not getting implants would be safe for you.
To find out if you’d make a good candidate for dental implants, schedule a consultation with your dentist. You’ll be showing off your restored smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Albert Silvera is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry and has training in neuromuscular occlusion, dental implant placement, endodontics, and more. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and Spear Education. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Los Angeles, visit his website or call (310) 575-0886.