From bridges to dentures, there are a variety of ways that you can replace missing teeth. Though these are better than having gaps in your smile, dental implants are the option that’s favored by many dentists and patients alike. This is because they’re the only permanent solution to missing teeth and help prevent further issues from developing. If you’re thinking about replacing missing teeth with these restorations and want to know if you meet the criteria for the procedure, read on to learn about five qualities that a good dental implant candidate should have.
#1: Excellent Oral Hygiene
The restorations that are placed on top of dental implants can’t get cavities, but this doesn’t mean that you can stop taking good care of your oral health. If you neglect to brush twice and floss once per day, oral health issues like decay and gum disease might develop. Make sure to brush for two minutes in the morning and again after your last meal of the day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles so it won’t scratch your enamel and toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your remaining natural teeth. Floss before you go to bed to remove plaque and any food particles you didn’t get while brushing.
#2: Healthy Gums
During the dental implant procedure, your surgeon will make an incision in your gums so they can access the jawbone. For this reason, it’s crucial that your gums are healthy before you proceed. If you have gum disease, this will need to be treated with periodontal therapy.
#3: A Healthy Jawbone
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone and fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. This is what makes them so durable and long-lasting. Since tooth loss can lead to jawbone erosion due to lack of stimulation, your dentist will take X-rays to determine if a bone graft is necessary before you move forward.
#4: Good Lifestyle Choices
Smoking, drinking, and eating too much sugar are all bad habits that steeply raise your chances of developing oral health issues that can lead to dental implant failure. Smoking also makes it harder for your body to heal, which can lead to complications with the implant procedure. If you need help quitting, ask friends and family for support. Your dentist, doctor, or therapist will also be able to provide you with resources.
#5: Great Overall Health
Medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes can cause complications during and after the implant procedure, such as making anesthesia less effective, making patients more prone to infections, and impeding osseointegration. Since these things can lead to implant failure or other issues, let your dentist know about any serious medical conditions you have so they can plan accordingly.
As you can see, there are several qualifications you need to meet to be a good dental implant candidate. Speak with your dentist if you’re interested in the procedure to determine if it’s a good fit for your smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Jon Holman, Dr. Colin Holman, and their Oklahoma City team at Dental Expressions are here to help you fill in the gaps in your smile. They offer high-quality, durable titanium dental implants to give you a full, complete smile you’re sure to love. Do you want to set up an appointment with Dental Expressions or are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Call their office at (405) 735-6600 or visit their website to get started.
