Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
By: Dr. Boyer
February 19, 2020
As many as 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. In addition to the way the missing tooth affects appearance, the space in between teeth can cause oral health issues. Existing teeth can start to shift towards the space, and that can lead to difficulty chewing and cleaning the teeth properly. This can then lead to additional decay and bone loss.
What Makes Someone a Candidate for Dental Implants?
A missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant to prevent oral issues and create a beautiful smile. But not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, though.
If you have a missing tooth and wonder if dental implants are right for you, consider the following criteria and then contact Elite Dental Implant Center for more information.
- Healthy Gums
A good candidate for dental implants has healthy gums. Bones in the gums must be strong enough to support and anchor the implants. Even if there’s minor bone loss, implants may still be an option with a grafting procedure.
- Developed Jawbone
The jawbone must be completely developed, so this option is not available to adolescents. The only way to know if your jawbone has finished developing is to reach out to an experienced dental implant specialist.
- Good Oral Hygiene
Dental implants need cleaning, flossing, and checkups just as natural teeth do, so candidates who already practice good oral hygiene are the best ones for dental implants. Infections and bone loss are possible if implants are not cared for properly, which can lead to many other oral issues.
- Non-Smokers
Smoking can hinder the healing process after having dental implants placed. While smokers may be able to get dental implants, they will have to quit smoking before the procedure and through the recovery process.
- Physically Healthy
People who are not suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, connective-tissue disease, hemophilia, and immune deficiencies may be candidates for dental implants. These medical conditions can make the procedure and recovery difficult for the person, which is why alternative options are available for missing teeth.
- Not Pregnant
Pregnant women should wait until after having their baby to have dental implants. During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause estrogen levels to spike, which can lead to an increased risk of infection.
- Recovered Substance Abusers
People who struggle with substance abuse disorder must be in recovery before being able to receive dental implants. Due to the high likelihood of people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol not following through with proper dental care, getting dental implants could end up leading to serious infections.
Contact Elite Dental Implant Center for
Dental Implants in Simi Valley
Dr. Varo Boyer and Dr. Yoojung Hong of Elite Dental Implant Center specialize in dental implants in Simi Valley. If after reading this, you believe you’re a candidate for dental implants, we would love to schedule a consultation with you. One of our doctors will perform an examination to determine if dental implants are right for you, and answer all of your questions. Contact us now at (805) 581-0144 for an appointment.
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