Dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth because they look and function just like the real thing, can last for more than thirty-five years with excellent care, and boast an impressive success rate of over 95%. Part of the reason they are so effective is that a prospective implant patient must have a consultation with their dentist to make sure that they meet the necessary qualifications before undergoing the procedure. Here are some of the qualities that can make someone a great implant candidate and how you may be able to achieve them.
You Need to Be in Good Medical Health
Certain health conditions such as diabetes can interfere with the healing process that is so crucial for the success of dental implants, and recent cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes can make it necessary to postpone dental implant surgery until a later date. If you have a condition such as diabetes or an autoimmune issue, it will have to be under control before you can receive dental implants. Luckily, these conditions can usually be quite manageable with the right diet, medication, and other measures recommended by a qualified doctor.
You Need Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are essential to successful dental implants since they play a crucial role in supporting the prosthesis, and gum disease is the leading cause of implant failure. If you have any gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis, it will have to be cleared up through improved oral hygiene and possibly treatments from your dentist.
Smoking is absolutely horrible for your gums and everything else in your mouth and can contribute to implant failure, so it’s important to abstain from it for a few weeks before and a few months after receiving dental implants. Since you’re going to have to stop smoking for that long, why not take the opportunity to quit altogether?
You Need Strong Jawbones
Since dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, it will need sufficient bone mass to support and fuse with them. Unfortunately, the jawbone begins to atrophy shortly after a tooth is lost, and people who have gone with a missing tooth for a long time may not have enough bone tissue to accommodate implants. In these cases, a patient can often reinforce their jawbone with bone grafting treatments and the implants can be placed after they heal.
There’s no reason to despair if you aren’t a good dental implant candidate just yet. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to qualify for these wonderfully lifelike artificial teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Kwonduk Jung earned his dental degree from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and underwent an externship at a non-profit clinic in northern Maine for a year. He is proud to hold memberships with the American Dental Association, the Maine Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Arundel, ME, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant treatments. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact him online or dial (207) 985-3576.