Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Tigard, OR
Millions of people around the world suffer from tooth loss due to various reasons. Not only does tooth loss impact your appearance, but it also affects your overall oral health. Missing teeth can compromise your ability to talk and chew properly, alongside causing bone loss.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you are a great candidate for dental implants, which is one of the best tooth replacement treatments.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a small metal post that is usually made of titanium. This post is fixed in place of your missing tooth and is left to bind with your jawbone for a few weeks in a process known as osseointegration. Once the post successfully bonds with your jawbone, it mimics a tooth root, making way for your artificial tooth.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You can consider getting dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth. However, there are a few considerations that your dentist will make before deciding whether you qualify for implants or not. A candidate for dental implants must have:
Good Overall Health
Dental implant placement is an invasive surgical procedure that requires the patient to undergo anesthesia. Therefore, you must not have any serious medical conditions such as heart disease.
Good Oral Health
A dental implant candidate should have healthy teeth and gums. They must have a good oral hygiene routine that they follow every day to maintain their oral health in good shape. Anyone with an oral disease, such as periodontal disease, will not qualify for implants. This is because damaged and bleeding gums can increase the chances of implant failure.
Good Bone Density
Healthy jawbone density is vital to support dental implants. Tooth loss causes loss of jawbone muscle that can prevent you from getting implants. The reason behind this is that if an implant isn’t reinforced by a strong bone then it can loosen up due to chewing. However, the good news is that those who meet other requirements of qualifying for dental implants can get a bone grafting procedure to enhance their jawbone mass.
A Non-Smoker
You need to be a non-smoker to qualify for dental implants. However, if you’re a smoker, you will have to quit smoking at least two to three weeks prior to your implant surgery. Being a smoker can considerably reduce the chances of surgical success since smoking can hinder the healing process and cause infections.
Have more questions about dental implants? Contact us today!
Now that you have basic knowledge about whether or not you qualify for implants, you should consult a dentist to know for sure. Only a professional can help completely determine the best procedure to replace your missing teeth.
Schedule a consultation with us at Tigard Family Dental to see if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. With years of experience, Dr. Travis Cochell will only recommend the best treatment for you. Call us today at (971) 762-1262 to book an appointment.
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