Dental Implants: Am I a Candidate?

Dental implants are the ideal way to replace missing teeth. Implants are more aesthetically pleasing than other types of false teeth, and they are also more durable and functional. Unfortunately, not everyone is a dental implant candidate. Before you decide to get dental implants find out whether or not you are a dental implant candidate.

Implant Dentistry Candidates

First and foremost, dental implant candidates need to be in good health. The process involves two surgical procedures, so you need to be able to withstand that. However, you also need to have adequate bone in your jaw and healthy gums to support the implant.

Before you can have a dental implant procedure done your cosmetic dentist will need to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. To determine whether you are a dental implant candidate, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, and jawbone carefully. They will perform a CT scan to see if you have adequate jawbone.

Some things may exclude you from being a dental implant candidate or make the procedure more risky for you. People who have problems with periodontal disease may not be good candidates because of bone loss. People with diseases such as diabetes, hemophilia, or other immunity-suppressing conditions may have trouble healing from dental implant surgery. Additionally, people who smoke heavily, do drugs, or drink alcohol may not be considered ideal dental implant candidates. What’s more is that children should not have dental implants because they do not have fully developed jawbones.

It is also important to consider your personal situation when determining if you are a dental implant candidate. For instance, dental implants can be rather costly and they are not typically covered by insurance. Additionally, they require many appointments from the beginning to the end of the process. If you have the time, are in good health, and are willing to make the investment, dental implants may be the right option for you.