5 Qualities of a Good Dental Implant Candidate

Tooth loss is a problem that effects millions of people throughout the country. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth while 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you need to go the rest of your life with gaps in your smile. There are several tooth replacement options out there to choose from. Dental implants are a preferred method because of their many benefits, but they aren’t for everyone. Here are some characteristics that make up a good dental implant candidate in Plano.

Great Oral Hygiene

If you aren’t caring for your smile well now, your dentist won’t be sure that you will after you have your implants placed. Dental implants need to be well cared for in order to be successful. Just like natural teeth, your dental implant supported teeth need to be brushed twice and flossed at least once every single day. Another step that is helpful is rinsing regularly with a mouthwash to fight back against harmful bacteria. With healthy surrounding teeth, your implants will be much more likely to be successful.

Healthy Gum Tissue

You are more susceptible to developing gingivitis if you have dental implants than if you still have your natural teeth. When you have plaque buildups along your gumline, an infection can develop. This creates pockets where harmful bacteria collect. In the end, if you don’t receive treatment, the bacteria will attack the bone supporting your implant. Healthy implants need to be supported by healthy gum tissue.

Wholesome Lifestyle Choices

Smoking and heavy drinking need to be avoided throughout the dental implant process. Smoking doubles your risk for developing periodontal disease and it slows down the healing process. If you are smoking before your surgery, this can contribute to bone loss and make it much more difficult for implants to be placed. Drinking alcoholic beverage excessively can interfere with the healing process after implant surgery. It also contributes to dry mouth and inhibits 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. The problem is that when you’re missing teeth, the jawbone isn’t being stimulated by regular chewing, so it begins to be reabsorbed by the body. Ultimately, you are left with bone loss. It can even shrink to the point where it can no longer support a dental implant. At this point, a bone graft would be required, or you may need to opt for another tooth replacement option.

Excellent Overall Health

Some chronic disease can create risks for patients who get dental implant surgery. For instance, if you have diabetes, you are more likely to experience a dental implant failure. This is because diabetes makes it more difficult to prevent and control infections. It can also interfere with the osseointegration process. Heart disease and sleep apnea can interfere with anesthesia during your procedure, so these conditions need to be carefully considered by your dentist and doctor before going forward.

To find out if you would make a good candidate for dental implants, set up a consultation with your dentist. You’ll be on a path towards a restored smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Andrew Kung earned his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry and has taken numerous continuing education classes in a variety of disciplines. He has achieved Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation at his office in Plano, visit his website or call (972) 640-6494.