Who Are The Best Candidates For Dental Implants?

patients smiling with their new dental implants

If you are experiencing tooth loss, you may be considering getting corrective dental procedures, such as dental implants. Before doing so, however, a dentist will need to assess your mouth to ensure you are a candidate for your new smile. Is your current situation one that suits dental implants?

What Dental Implant Candidacy Entails

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Sufficient bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues with no signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. If you are showing visible signs of gum disease, including swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums, you may need to visit a dental specialist that focuses on treating gum disease, known as a periodontist. This is particularly important before potentially becoming a great candidate for dental implants.

Candidates who are dedicated to oral hygiene are excellent applicants for implants. Flossing, brushing and using a good mouthwash several times in a day assist in removing plaque which in turn are protecting the applicant against infection during the implant procedure. Visits to a dentist twice per year for that routine checkup makes for a good candidate.

Caring For Your Dental Implants

Although dental implants function like natural teeth, it is important to care properly for them as they are an investment that is meant to last a lifetime. This means ensuring that they are cleaned per instructions from a dentist, avoiding any harsh, acidic, hard, or sticky foods, making sure to keep up with regular dental appointments to make sure things are going smoothly.

Dental implants can be a great way to achieve a new look and smile in a way that is long-lasting, natural looking, and function just like natural teeth. It is important to choose a dental professional that understands your wants and needs regarding this restorative process, and will guide you in the right direction of a customized treatment plan. A dentist should fully inspect your mouth health prior to placing the implants to ensure quality and longevity, and make sure that you are confident in your choice to get a new smile!