Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss. Unlike bridges and dentures, these restorations involve surgically placing a support rod into your jaw to function like the root of a natural tooth. Not only does this lead to a more reliable replacement, but it also helps prevent the jawbone degeneration that typically occurs when teeth go missing.
But before proceeding, you must consult your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Continue reading to learn more about 3 characteristics they look for in ideal patients for dental implants!
Trait #1: Commitment to Dental Hygiene
Although this procedure has an incredibly high success rate of more than 90%, that doesn’t mean these replacement teeth are completely invincible. For example, bacteria in your mouth can penetrate the surgical site and cause an infection, such as peri-implantitis, the leading cause of failure.
Thankfully, this can be avoided by taking proper precautions. Brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove harmful germs, plaque, and other debris to prevent complications after your procedure and can help extend the longevity of your new tooth. If you don’t already have a dental hygiene routine in place, you may want to implement one before consulting your dentist regarding implants!
Trait #2: Sufficient Jawbone Density
Once these replacement teeth are strategically positioned in your jaw, it can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to recover. This is how long it usually takes for the foundation of your mouth to generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the biocompatible support rod, a process called osseointegration, which is what makes these restorations so strong.
But did you know that your jaw starts to thin after tooth loss? Without roots in place to stimulate additional bone growth with each bite down, it begins to degenerate and can eventually become too weak or frail to support your remaining teeth, let alone dental implants. As a result, your dentist will likely take X-rays or other scans to measure your jawbone density before approving your procedure.
Trait #3: Good General Health
Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that are surgically embedded in your jaw for sturdier, longer-lasting results. But your dental team will need to update your medical history and list any current prescriptions or supplements you take regularly to avoid any potential adverse reactions that might harm your general health.
For instance, poorly managed diabetes can potentially increase the likelihood of dental implant failure by up to 20% because high blood sugar can hinder healing, weaken bone density, and impair new bone cell regeneration. Not only that, but this medical condition also increases the risk of gum disease and other infections that can damage your new tooth.
If you have additional questions about whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, your dentist can provide more detailed information based on your unique circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Anh Vo is passionate about providing quality dental services to help people enhance their dental health and improve their daily lives. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and today, is committed to continuing education so he can offer the most contemporary treatments using state-of-the-art technology. He partners with local experts for successful implant procedures, then provides lifelike restorations that are customized to resemble your natural teeth for beautiful, lifelike results. You can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (469) 890-1199.