How Do I Know If I’m a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

If you have missing teeth, your research for replacement options is liable to lead you to a singular conclusion – dental implants are the best choice. But are they YOUR best choice? From preventing bone loss to restoring bite force to maintaining the shape of your face, there are so many benefits with a commitment to dental implants. A major factor in the decision is whether they are right for you specifically. Keep reading to learn if you are a viable dental implant candidate from your dentist in McKinney.

Gums Are Healthy

Dental implants derive their stability from surgical insertion into the jawbone and the subsequent osseointegration. Your gums help keep them firmly anchored. However, if your gums are compromised in any way, they won’t effectively hold the titanium post in place. Therefore, patients with gum disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy before becoming eligible for implants. Otherwise, bacteria can attack the bone supporting the implant, causing it to fail.

Oral Hygiene Is a Priority

For dental implants to succeed and for the surrounding gums to be healthy, good oral hygiene is crucial. The implants are relatively low maintenance once they are fused to your jawbone, but proper dental care is necessary to prevent complications. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash, and regularly visiting your dentist will help you enjoy your new smile for years to come!

No Excessive Alcohol Use or Smoking

When you use alcohol or tobacco it can decrease your body’s ability to heal properly. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth, inhibit blood clotting, and even lead to bone loss. Smoking increases your chances of developing gum disease and can also contribute to bone loss, potentially resulting in implant failure.

General Health Outlook Is Good

A person with a chronic disease is at greater risk of dental implant failure. For example, patients with diabetes have a higher rate of implant failure because their condition interferes with osseointegration and slows the healing process. Heart disease and sleep apnea can interfere with anesthesia, which could create complications during surgery. Therefore, a dental implant candidate should ideally be free from chronic diseases.

Bone Density Is Adequate

A patient must have sufficient jawbone density for a successful implant procedure since they are anchored into the jaw. The fusion of implants to the bone, aka osseointegration, is a crucial part of the process, as it ensures your implants stay in place permanently to provide unmatched stability and a strong bite force. However, if you don’t have an adequate amount of bone, your implants can become loose or fail. Fortunately, you can undergo a bone graft to create more area for implant placement, thus improving your candidacy.

If you meet all these criteria, congratulations, you can now make a smile-changing decision! If not, you still have the opportunity to make strides in your oral health to the point where you can be deemed an excellent dental implant candidate.

About the Practice

At Marble Dental McKinney, we strive to build lasting relationships with our patients through exceptional dental care. We prioritize your comfort so you can feel relaxed during treatments and be sure to ask about our new patient special. If you are interested in dental implants, we can perform the entire procedure at our office location. We offer implant-retained dentures and All-On-4 dental implants. You can schedule a consultation on our website or by calling (214) 592-0441.