Are You a Dental Implant Candidate?
While dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacements today, not everyone may qualify for treatment. Ideal candidates for dental implants are in optimal oral health, with no indications of tooth decay or periodontal disease present in the mouth or remaining teeth.
If you’re wondering whether dental implants are right for you, explore our dentist’s guide below. Then call our Wasilla dental office at (907) 373-2440 today to schedule your implant consultation.
Determining Candidates for Dental Implants
Your dentist will evaluate several factors to determine if you qualify for dental implants. These factors may include:
- Sufficient Bone Density: Dental implants require a certain amount of bone density to provide a stable foundation. Your dentist may use X-rays or a CT scan to evaluate the amount of bone in your jaw.
- Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are important for the success of a dental implant. Your dentist may evaluate your gum tissue for signs of periodontal disease or other issues.
- Good Health: Your overall health can impact your ability to receive dental implants. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or certain medications may affect your ability to undergo a dental implant procedure.
- Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is important. Your dentist may evaluate your brushing and flossing habits and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Age: Age may be a factor in determining if you qualify for dental implants. Children and young adults may not have fully developed jawbones, which can affect the success of implants.
- Patience: The dental implant process can take several months from start to finish. It involves the initial surgical placement of the implant, a healing period, and finally the placement of the crown.
- No Parafunctional Habits: Habits such as biting on pencils or hard candies, or using your teeth to open packages, can damage implants.
Supplemental Procedures
While dental implants are a highly effective restorative procedure for missing teeth, some people may need to undergo supplemental procedures before starting treatment. These procedures include:
- Bone Grafting: If you have lost a significant amount of jawbone, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the jawbone before the implant can be placed.
- Sinus Lift: If you’re missing upper back teeth, a sinus lift may be necessary to raise the sinus floor and make room for the implant.
- Ridge Augmentation: If the area where the implant is needed is too narrow or has a shallow ridge, ridge augmentation may be necessary to build up the area and provide a stable foundation for the implant.
Know Your Other Tooth Replacement Options
If you’re not a dental implant candidate, there are options for replacing missing teeth. Restorations such as traditional dentures or dental bridges may be better suited for your needs. Contact your dentist today to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, those with active gum disease or an untreated oral infection won’t be a good candidates for dental implants. The implant placement procedure requires a healthy jawbone and gums, so any active gum infections or disease must be treated before the tooth implant can be placed.
Smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure, so individuals who smoke may not be good candidates for dental implants. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your overall oral health, including your smoking history, to determine if dental implants are a suitable option for you.
Individuals with systemic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain autoimmune disorders may be at an increased risk for implant complications and infections. Similarly, those suffering from osteoporosis, or taking medications for bone deterioration, may also have a higher likelihood of implant complications.
Determine Your Dental Implant Candidacy Today
Do you think dental implants are the best treatment for you? For those living in the Wasilla, AK, area, contact our dentist today to schedule your appointment. We’ll guide you through the treatment steps and see if you qualify for dental implants.