As you sit in the waiting room at your dentist’s office for your implant consultation, you start to feel like you’re going to have a job interview or a first date. Will the dentist say you’re not qualified? Will you have to settle for inferior replacement teeth forever? What does it take to be considered for dental implants? Here are three important traits you must have if you want to be a good candidate for dental implants.
Have a Strong Jawbone
This isn’t about whether you have a masculine or feminine facial shape. Your jawbone simply has to have enough density to support and hold the implants securely. Without it, your replacement teeth wouldn’t be stable. Unfortunately, you start to lose density right after a tooth root is lost. The good news is that even if you do not currently have the jawbone density required, you can become eligible through bone grafts or other procedures that can bolster the bone.
Be in Good Oral and Overall Health
To ensure success, your dentist will make sure you do not have any oral infections prior to moving forward with dental implants. Why? A simple gum infection can prevent your implants from properly integrating with the jawbone, leading to failure. Any issues in the mouth need to be taken care of before the implants are placed so that you can have the best odds of enjoying your new, completely restored smile.
In addition to good oral health, you need to be healthy in general. For example, if you have diabetes, your condition must be under control. Certain conditions (such as osteoporosis), behaviors (such as smoking), and cancer treatments can complicate getting dental implants, but replacing your teeth with implants may still be possible. Your dentist should be made aware of any health issues you face so that they can provide the care you need to be successful with implants.
Be Willing to Maintain Your Implants
Even though your replacement teeth aren’t going to get cavities, you still must keep them in good condition. If you are not willing to take care of your implants, you might as well not get them in the first place. Fortunately, it doesn’t require much more than maintaining real teeth. You need to brush and floss your replacement teeth every day, and you have to come in at least every six months for checkups and cleanings.
Unlike some interviews or first dates, with dental implants you can get second chances at being a good candidate for dental implants. When you work with your dentist, you can become eligible for replacement teeth that are the closest alternative to the real thing and have a confident smile again.
About the Author
Dr. David Thomas has always been dedicated to continuous learning. After he earned his dental degree at the University of Pittsburgh, he completed an Advanced Education of General Dentistry program in Phoenix. For dental implant placement, he partners with the area’s most experienced and skilled specialists so that patients receive the absolute best care available. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas, you can contact our Burien office by calling our team at 206-244-4622 or by visiting our Contact Us page.
