What Makes Someone a Great Dental Implant Candidate?

Dental implants have allowed countless patients to replace their lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations, and the first step to receiving these amazing prosthetic devices is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this meeting, your oral health provider will carefully inspect your mouth to confirm that you qualify for the treatment. Here are a few qualifications you will need to receive dental implants as well as how you may be able to achieve them.

Dental Implants Need Healthy Gums

Your mouth will need to be free of oral infections such as gum disease and tooth decay before you can receive dental implants, as these issues can compromise the tissues that implants depend on for support. While gum disease starts out as gingivitis that can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, it will advance to the more destructive phase of periodontitis if it goes untreated. Periodontitis must be managed with professional treatments such as scaling and root planing.

Dental Implants Require Strong Jawbones

Soon after a tooth is lost, the part of the jawbone that supported it will begin to atrophy due to lack of stimulation. If this is allowed to progress for too long, it can pull the adjacent teeth out of alignment, which makes them more vulnerable to injury and decay, and it can eventually leave the jaw too thin to support implants. Thankfully, this issue can usually be addressed by reinforcing the jawbone with bone grafts.

Dental Implants Demand Proper Oral Hygiene

If your dental implants are to be successful, you must commit to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen to ensure that they maintain their beauty and remain undamaged by infections. Fortunately, implants only require the same care as real teeth, which includes:

• Brushing at least twice a day
• Flossing at least once daily
• Using antibacterial mouthwash frequently
• Avoiding excessive sugar consumption
• Refraining from opening packages with your teeth
• Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings

Even if you find out you’re not ready for dental implants during your consultation, you may still be able to become an excellent candidate after receiving a few preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy and bone grafts. Since dental implants work, look, and feel just like real teeth, they are well worth the time and effort it takes to get them.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Tubo earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and participates regularly in continuing education coursework. He is a Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Whitinsville offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (508) 234-8107.