It doesn’t matter if you have one missing tooth or several; an incomplete smile can significantly impact your life in many ways. If you are unhappy with your current smile, you might wonder if you are a candidate for dental implants. This innovative treatment for missing teeth has changed many lives and could also change yours.
The good news is that very few people wouldn’t be considered a good candidate for dental implants.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, one of our dentists will thoroughly evaluate your jaw, teeth, mouth, and overall health.
They will take a mouth X-ray and possibly obtain a CT scan. These imaging studies help identify areas of bone loss and allow the dental provider to visualize the shape of your sinuses and nerve location, helping them reach accurate assessments for your treatment.
You will also receive an in-depth medical evaluation since your overall health and history significantly impact how well your dental implants will heal and integrate into the bone.
Factors that Determine Eligibility for Dental Implants
For dental implants to be successful, you must have sufficient, healthy jaw bone space so that the implant can integrate with your bone tissue, a process known as osseointegration. The jaw and body must be in good health to accept the implant and provide it with the ideal conditions to allow the best chance of osseointegration.
As such, several factors can make an individual ineligible as a dental implant candidate. Some of these factors include:
- Uncontrolled gum disease
- Teeth grinding or clenching as this can put too much pressure on a dental implant and cause severe long-term damage
- Cancer
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Previous or ongoing radiation treatment to the jaw area
- Smoking
- Alcoholism
- Use of prescription steroid medications that can suppress the immune system
You could still be a candidate with one of these factors. However, your dentist will thoroughly assess your situation and work with you and your healthcare provider to improve your overall health before proceeding with dental implants.
Even if you aren’t a good candidate for dental implants, we may be able to offer other options to help you with your missing teeth, such as bridges. Rest assured, our dentists will present you with the best options suited to your specific needs and wants.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? Find Out By Contacting JM Dental of Westbury Today
Dental implants have a very high success rate, and our patients frequently tell us how happy they are with their new smiles. If you are considering implants, our experienced staff can conduct a full assessment to identify what tooth replacement options are ideal for you.
To learn more about dental implant surgery, or to schedule an appointment to discuss your suitability as a candidate for dental implants, call JM Dental of Westbury at 516-334-3444 or contact us online.