Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, look and feel like natural teeth, and improve both functionality and aesthetics. At Comprehensive Dental Implant Center in Henderson, Dr. Hendrickson and his team have helped many patients regain their confidence and oral health through dental implants. But not everyone is an immediate candidate for this procedure. So, who is a good candidate for dental implants, and what steps can you take to become a better candidate if you’re not quite there yet? Let’s dive in.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
While dental implants are an excellent option for most patients, they aren’t suitable for everyone. A few key factors determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants:
1. Good Overall Health
Dental implants require surgery, so a patient needs to be in good overall health to undergo the procedure and heal properly. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders can impact healing and increase the risk of implant failure. However, many of these conditions can be managed, and your doctor will assess your health to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
2. Healthy Gums
Healthy gums are essential for the success of dental implants. Gum disease, especially if it’s advanced, can weaken the surrounding tissue and bone, leading to complications during and after the implant procedure. Patients with periodontal disease may need treatment to restore their gum health before they can proceed with dental implants.
3. Adequate Bone Density
A strong and healthy jawbone is crucial for supporting dental implants. When teeth are lost, the jawbone in that area can begin to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation. For dental implants to be successful, there must be enough bone to hold the implant securely in place. If a patient has experienced significant bone loss, they may still be a candidate for dental implants, but they might need a bone grafting procedure to rebuild the bone before the implants can be placed.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important for the long-term success of dental implants. Just like natural teeth, implants need to be brushed and flossed regularly to prevent infections and complications. Candidates for dental implants should be committed to taking care of their oral health by following a consistent cleaning routine and visiting their dentist for regular check-ups.
5. Non-Smokers or Willingness to Quit Smoking
Smoking can severely affect the healing process after dental implant surgery and increase the risk of implant failure. Smokers are still candidates for dental implants, but they will need to quit smoking for the duration of the healing process. Ideally, a candidate would stop smoking altogether to ensure the best outcome for their implants and overall oral health.
Making Yourself a Better Candidate
If you’re not an ideal candidate for dental implants right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t become one. There are several steps you can take to improve your candidacy for dental implants. Dr. Hendrickson and his team at Comprehensive Dental Implant Center near Las Vegas can work with you to address any issues that may be standing in the way.
- Treating Gum Disease: If you have gum disease, it’s important to undergo treatment before considering dental implants. Scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or surgical procedures may be needed to eliminate the infection and restore healthy gums. Once your gum disease is under control, you’ll be in a better position to move forward with dental implants.
- Bone Grafting: If you’ve lost significant bone due to tooth loss, Dr. Hendrickson may recommend a bone graft. This procedure involves placing bone material (either from your body or a donor source) in the area where the bone is lacking. Over time, the graft will integrate with your natural bone, providing a strong foundation for dental implants. Bone grafting can significantly increase your chances of successful dental implants.
- Improving General Health: For patients with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, managing these conditions can improve your candidacy for dental implants. Working with your primary care physician to control chronic health issues can make you a better candidate for surgery and ensure a smoother recovery.
- Quitting Smoking: If you smoke, quitting will greatly improve your chances of a successful dental implant procedure. Smoking impairs blood flow to the gums and bone, which slows the healing process and increases the likelihood of infection. Quitting smoking before surgery will reduce these risks and help ensure that your dental implants integrate properly with your jawbone.
- Committing to Long-Term Oral Health: Good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining the health of your implants. Patients who want to become better candidates for dental implants should practice diligent brushing and flossing, attend regular dental cleanings, and be proactive in addressing any oral health issues as they arise.
We Can Help You Get Your Smile Back
Dental implants are a fantastic solution for those in Henderson who have lost one or more teeth, but not everyone is an immediate candidate. Factors such as overall health, gum condition, bone density, and lifestyle habits all play a role in determining whether dental implants are the right choice for you. The good news is that even if you’re not a perfect candidate today, there are steps you can take to improve your candidacy for dental implants.
