There are over 3 million Americans with dental implants and this number is expected to double within the next six years. With their natural look, high success rate, and impressive longevity, it is no surprise that dental implants have become one of the most popular missing tooth solutions available. If you’re missing teeth, you may be wondering: “Am I a good candidate for dental implants?”
Like any surgery, dental implants are a life-changing procedure that should be taken with great care. While most people are a candidate for dental implants, sometimes health or other circumstances may make your procedure less likely to succeed. You should consider:
Gum Health
Gum disease can make a dental implants procedure difficult because dental implants depend on strong gum tissue. However, this does not mean dental implants are out of the question. Procedures like gum augmentation help rebuild your gum tissue and prevent recession.
Jawbone Strength
A good candidate for dental implants also requires a strong jawbone. If your jawbone is too thin or too soft, your implant won’t be well-supported. Remember, your implants and your jawbone take on a lot of pressure when you’re eating.
Vitamin D can help build bone strength. Bone grafts are also an option. During this procedure, pieces of bone from other areas of your body are placed in your jaw. Over time, your jawbone grows around these bones, becoming fuller and stronger.
Oral Hygiene
Take a look at your daily oral hygiene routine. Are you brushing and flossing thoroughly and regularly? Your implants should be treated as carefully as your natural teeth. Bacteria or infection after your implant procedure can reduce your gum tissue and loosen your implants.
Physical Health
Patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes have a higher implant failure rate than patients without because wounds take longer to heal. While diabetes does not immediately exclude you as a candidate for dental implants, it’s best to talk to your doctor and your dentist about the procedure beforehand.
Patients who smoke also have a higher risk of implant failure. This is because smoking increases your chances of gum disease and bone loss.
Contact DICE!
Here at DICE Dental, we’ll take any steps we can to help make the smile of your dreams a reality. If you suffer from poor gum or bone health, we do offer supplemental treatments that may help improve the success rate of your procedure. We also use state-of-the-art technology like 3D x-rays and digital scanners to get a better understanding of any barriers to your treatment and how we can help you overcome them.
If you’ve been living with pain or embarrassment caused by missing teeth, you have nothing to lose! Contact us today for a free consultation!