It’s estimated that almost 70% of Americans over the age of 35 have lost at least one tooth to decay. In the past missing teeth were fixed with dentures or, later, dental bridges. These days, patients can get a new crown the same day. The advances in the dental industry have made it easier for people to change their smiles over the course of a few weeks.
But are you a good candidate for dental implants?
Almost all patients are good candidates for dental implants. You are eligible to receive a single implanted tooth or to replace an entire row of teeth on your upper or lower jaw known as an All-On-4 implant procedure.
Evaluation: A simple check-up from your local implant and cosmetic dentist should suffice. You will undergo a thorough dental consultation which will include x-rays and a manual tooth evaluation. Your dentist will discuss your medical history and speak to you about individual dental implants, or All-On-4 implants based on your specific needs.
Treatment Plan: In most cases, a dentist will create a custom treatment plan for your dental implant procedure. The procedure itself is performed in stages. From tooth removal, bone graft, healing, implant insertion, and crown creation, it may take a few weeks or months from start to finish. The timeline will completely depend on where in the process you are.
If you believe that you may have considerable bone loss or oral health issues that could affect your dental implant eligibility, read the list below.
If you meet the following criteria, then you are a good candidate for dental implants:
#1 – Gums and Teeth Should Be Healthy for Dental Implant denture treatment
Your gums are the cement that holds your teeth in place. A good candidate for dental implants should have good healthy gums near and around the missing tooth.
Check for signs of gum disease that may cause further tooth decay. If your gums are red, swollen, or tender and bleed when you brush and floss, you may have underlying gum disease or periodontitis. Your individual treatment plan may include some form of deep cleaning to treat gingivitis, or laser gum treatment, which you may need to undergo before receiving your dental implant.
Your dentist will examine your gums and gum line and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Remember: you can take action now to avoid worsening any gum disease.
Be vigilant and begin a regular oral hygiene routine as soon as possible. Consistency is key and done is better than perfect for beginners; so floss, brush and rinse regularly.
#2 – Healthy Bone in the Jaws is Important to Replace teeth with implants
Healthy bone is vital to the implant process. Your bone will support the tooth throughout its lifetime and ensure that it stays in place while you chew for years to come.
The Bone around your teeth could deteriorate as a result of periodontitis or gum disease. Other symptoms of bone loss include changes in your bite or facial structure, shifting or loose teeth, headaches, and facial pain or discomfort when chewing.
If you have an infected tooth that requires extraction, you may require bone grafting to fill the space where your tooth’s root was occupying.
#3 - Good, Consistent Oral Hygiene important for teeth implants
A good candidate for dental implants should maintain good oral hygiene. Though implants don’t require any special care that differs from other teeth, you should be taking good care of your teeth.
Following a routine that includes flossing, brushing twice a day, and using mouth wash is vital to the health of your dental implant and all the other teeth.
Prevention is better than cure, and good oral hygiene could prevent the need for more dental implants. Remember the FBI – Floss, Brush, Irrigate (mouthwash). Follow that oral hygiene routine 2 times daily, and you will be a good candidate for dental implants.
#4 – Patience for the dental implant process
If you require dental implants as well as other procedures, be sure to stay focused and committed. Your treatment plan may call for tooth removal and bone grafting, which may add weeks or months to your timeline. Treatments like All-on-4 however provide you with temporary teeth in a single day, so you will never be without teeth.
In the meantime, your dentist may offer a dental flipper so you will never be without teeth. These small plastic inserts act as a removable partial denture and a temporary replacement for missing teeth. To the onlooker, you will not look as though you have lost any teeth.
#5 - Consult a Dental implant specialist
Every patient has a unique, individual treatment plan.
If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, speak with your dental implant dentist on your next visit.
Use the list to understand if you are a good candidate, but remember that you cannot diagnose yourself. Your dentist will explain the above criteria and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. So, speak with them before you decide anything. You may be a good candidate for a dental implant and you don’t even know it.
Dental implants change lives and all you have to do is ask anyone who has had an implant, and they’ll tell you what a difference it makes.
So start the process now, and plant the seeds of a beautiful smile today. If you have any questions about dental implants you should call 561.499.7400 or schedule an appointment online today.
Why Should You Get A Dental Implant?
Dental Implants will completely change the way you look and feel and that’s why so many people want to get implants as soon as possible.
Most agree that a beautiful smile is a point of pride, it’s a reason for confidence, and a chance to show joy. If you’re missing teeth, you’re missing your chance to let loose and smile confidently. You could be hiding your smile, or you could be more self-conscious about your looks.
Not only do dental implants improve confidence, but they also have lasting effects on face shape, oral health, and overall body health. A simple implant can prevent worse structural and health issues later on. No smile should be hidden, and missing teeth or gaps can be fixed.
