Dental implants allow patients to come back from the difficulties of tooth loss. Not only do dental implants restore the function of missing teeth, but they deliver multiple health benefits as well. The many benefits make this the ideal tooth replacement solution. However, who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be transformative, both cosmetically and functionally, for patients who have lost teeth. However, they are not always the best solution, as different situations require different options. If you have lost a tooth and want to consider your candidacy for dental implants, then read on below. We have put together a few key elements to consider.
You Need Sufficient Bone Density
Without enough jaw bone density, then dental implants simply will not be feasible. The implant post itself requires enough bone to fuse with, which creates the stability implants are known for. Insufficient bone density would lead to a weaker implant, which could in turn lead to additional issues later. A candidate for dental implants must have enough jawbone mass and integrity.
What Then?
Ask your dentist about bone grafting! This procedure sounds more intimidating than it actually is. The idea is to place some special bone material or mineral into the gums. The body then naturally responds to this and builds new bone over and around the material. It may take some time, but eventually you should have enough bone mass to have your implant post placed and move forward with the procedure.
You Need to Have Healthy Gums
Infections or progressed gum disease can both be signs you need to wait for implants. Placing the implant post is technically a surgery, so any bacterial infections would increase the risk of the procedure. Bacteria could get into the incisions and thus spread. As long as the infection remains, a patient likely will not be a candidate for dental implants.
What Then?
We provide dental procedures both for infections and gum disease. Once the infection is cleared away or gum disease has been halted, you can reconsider your tooth replacement solutions.
You Are Not Missing Many Teeth
Dental implants are best for patients missing either a single tooth or only a couple of them. The procedure involves placing an individual post for each missing tooth, so replacing several at once can be a challenge for the patient. Technically, you could replace all your teeth with implants, but in practice this is not a feasible solution.
What Then?
If you are missing multiple teeth, you may find a better outcome with dental bridges or dentures. Both of these options are great for replacing:
- several teeth in a row (bridges)
- large gaps in your smile (partial dentures)
- an entire gumline’s worth of teeth (full dentures)
- or even all of your teeth (full dentures)
You Are Not in a Rush
Dental implants can last for years to a lifetime, but getting them can take some time. In most cases, patients can expect a couple of months from the start of the process to the end. But this procedure is an investment that patients tend to agree is worth the wait. While there are multiple steps, each part of the process is simple. Most patients will need only a handful of visits. And then they will be set with a new tooth that can last decades.
What Then?
Do you need a new tooth fast? Depending on your situation, you may be able to get dental bridges more quickly, or a temporary crown over your dental implant. Ask your dentist about your options when time is of the essence. You may remain a candidate for dental implants, but other options may end up faster.
Schedule Your Appointment
Keep in mind that each situation is unique. The only way to know for certain which tooth replacement solution is right for you is to come in for a tooth replacement consultation. When you visit TruGlo in Calabasas, you work with a leading expert in tooth replacement, Dr. Rhonda Kalasho. Learn more about the procedure and see if you prove a candidate for dental implants.
