When you need a tooth replacement, you may have considered dental implants. These cosmetic options are becoming more popular because of their life-like appearance and their strength. Dental implants need proper conditions in order to provide proper benefits for the patient. This article will share what you MUST have to be a candidate for dental implants and what situations will make you ineligible.
You Have Missing Teeth But Healthy Gums
Dental implants are a common solution for missing teeth, which means that most patients will missing teeth are candidates for implants. Patients who have had a tooth extraction, a knocked-out tooth, or a decayed tooth are candidates for dental implants.
Those with missing teeth still need to have healthy gums and jaw bones to keep implants in place. The implant needs to be placed in the bone, and a dental crown is attached to an existing tooth. If your gums are not healthy you may find yourself needing more dental work in the future.
Non-Smokers
Tobacco products cause damage to the gums and hinder the healing process. Those who smoke or chew are not candidates for dental implants. Smoking increases the risk of the implant not fusing to the jaw bone. Even small dental procedures can heal slower if you participate in smoking. If you are willing to stop smoking, you could eventually become a candidate for implants.
Good Oral Hygiene
In order to keep your gums and teeth healthy you need to keep up with brushing and flossing. Healing from a dental procedure goes faster when you drink plenty of water, brush twice a day, and floss regularly. Avoiding harmful substances and paying attention to your oral health will ensure you are a candidate for dental implants. Maintaining oral hygiene will ensure that implants last for longer.
After having dental implants installed, you will need to visit your dentist regularly to keep up with teeth cleaning. Getting a dental examination and cleaning will help monitor the condition of implants so they continue to benefit you.
You Have Optimal Jaw Bone Density
Bone density is important for implants. For those who have lower bone density, your dentist could install mini implants that don’t require as much tissue to support the fake tooth. Healthy jawbones need to support around 3.4 and 5.8 mm wide implants. When you lose teeth, it can lead to bone loss in your jaw. Bone grafting may be needed to have long-term periodontal health.
What Disqualifies You From Getting Implants?
Certain conditions can disqualify you from ever getting implants or other dental work.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Chronic conditions can be difficult to manage and regulate. Diabetes comes with high blood sugar levels, which can make inflammation more common. Uncontrolled diabetes makes it hard for the body to fight infections which could increase the risk of complications during implant surgery. Those with diabetes can be a candidate for dental implants if they work closely with the dentist to monitor their blood sugar during the procedure.
Cancer
Patients with cancer in the head or neck may not be suitable for dental implants. As cancer patients will need radiation treatment, this can compromise jaw bone density and healing capacity.
Smokers
Those who have been smoking for years and who have no plans to quit, will not be candidates for implants. Tobacco damages your gums and will slow down the healing process from dental procedures. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen supply to the gums. Tar can coat oral surfaces with chemicals and weaken gum tissue. Smoking cigarettes will increase the risk of infections.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinkers run the risk of dehydration and infection when undergoing oral surgery. Alcohol consumption can disrupt bone metabolism and gum strength. If you want to have dental implants installed, you should discuss your habits with your dentist and see what you can do to be eligible for dental implants.
Gum Disease
Infection in the gums will affect the tissues surrounding your teeth. Your gums will become inflamed and infected which can cause pain and tissue damage. Gum disease can also exacerbate other issues like jaw deterioration and tooth loss. Untreated gum disease will not provide a stable foundation for dental implants and may cause you to need scaling and root planing before any other procedure can be considered.
Dental Implants From Sunset Dental
Candidates for dental implants can benefit from working with our dental practice. Sunset Dental is proud to have multiple dentists and hygienists who are willing to help you with all your oral health needs. We offer general dental services, cosmetic procedures, and more. Our state-of-the-art facility offers high-quality services and a comfortable environment. At Sunset Dental, all patients are family. Give us a call or contact us by email to schedule an appointment!