Losing even a single adult tooth can lead to many dental issues. This is why it is so important to consider implant dentistry as soon as you lose a single tooth. Naturally, this makes many wonder if they are a candidate for dental implants. Corbet Locke, DDS in Waco, TX is a dental implants specialist and can provide answers to that question.
Who Can Have Dental Implants?
Before we look at just what makes a good candidate for dental implants, let’s be sure you understand the value of the treatment. Implants are the ultimate in restorative dentistry, giving patients both a new crown and new “roots”. This supports the long term health of the jaw and gum in addition to the overall oral health of the patient.
Implants require a period of healing known as osseointegration; which is when the bone and implant fuse together. Once done, a permanent crown is placed and the patient can use that tooth just as if it were natural.
So, that makes it easier to begin considering who is a good candidate for dental implants, and who might not be. For example, people with uncontrolled diabetes, who are heavy smokers, who have active gum disease, or who do not have good oral hygiene would not be good candidates.
This is because most of those issues would interfere with proper osseointegration or compromise the health of the implant afterward.
Also on the list of less than ideal candidates are those who are unwilling to commit to long term oral hygiene even for the artificial tooth (implant). This is because you will still need the same exams and cleanings with implants as you did with natural teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
So, what does make the ideal candidate for dental implants? As your chosen dentist in Waco, we would tell you that the ideal candidates:
- Have adequate bone density in the jaw to support the implant or are willing to undergo a graft
- Have optimally healthy gums and teeth
- Have good oral hygiene habits and make regular general dentistry visits
- Are non-smokers
- Are not undergoing treatment with bisphosphonate medications
- Understand that healing takes time and are willing to do the appropriate aftercare to assure success
Schedule an Appointment Today for Dental Implants
Are you eager to know if you are a candidate for dental implants? If so, give us a call at our Waco, TX office at 254-776-4888. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.