If you are missing one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth, you may find yourself wondering: am I a candidate for dental implants? After all, they help over 500,000 patients each year and hold an impressive 95% success rate! Fortunately, the answer is almost always yes. However, there are a few requirements that patients need to meet to ensure the implant doesn’t fail. Read on to find out what they are!
#1. A Sufficient Amount of Bone
Thanks to innovations in technology and dentistry, patients today can choose from a multitude of restorative options. Nevertheless, dental implants have a distinct advantage because they are incredibly durable and are the only treatment that can stimulate your jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating. That being said, potential candidates must have an adequate amount of bone for the implant to be surgically placed into. Otherwise, the dental implant could become loose or otherwise fail. If you do not have a sufficient amount of bone as is, then your dentist may recommend undergoing a bone graft before moving forward with a dental implant procedure.
#2. Healthy Gums
On a daily basis, you probably rarely (if ever) think about the importance of your gums. However, they are vital to protecting the root of your teeth and holding them securely in place. Therefore, if they are compromised through a condition like gum disease, they may not be able to support the titanium fixture and lead to a successful operation. If this happens, your dentist may recommend undergoing periodontal therapy and coming back to the dental implant discussion at a later time.
#3. A Commitment to Good Oral Health
Did you know that dental implants can last 20+ years? Plus, since they are both stain and cavity-resistant, they are a relatively low-maintenance option compared to other restorative treatments. That being said, they do require a commitment to good oral health to be successful in both the short and long-term. So, good candidates must brush twice a day, floss daily, use mouthwash regularly, and visit their dentist bi-yearly for checkups.
If one or more missing teeth are negatively impacting your smile, your ability to chew, or your speech, then it is time to talk to your dentist about dental implants. From there, they can conduct a thorough examination and you’ll be one step closer to a full smile!
About the Author
Since earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Emory University School of Dentistry, Dr. George A. Hoop has completed state-of-the-art dental implant training at world-renowned organizations like the Misch International Implant Institute and the Dawson Academy. To this day, one of his favorite aspects of his job is watching the emotional reaction patients have when seeing the results of their dental implant makeover! If you would like to speak with Dr. Hoop about whether dental implants are right for you, visit his website.