Did you know that around 125 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? While it may be a common occurrence, no one wants to have missing teeth. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, wear uncomfortable dentures, or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed for a dental bridge, you may want to consider dental implants. However, a common question we get from patients that are considering dental implants is, “are dental implants the right choice for me?” Patients must pass certain requirements to be a good candidate. In this blog, we’ll be going over the elements that make people a good candidate for dental implants and why this dental procedure is so beneficial.
Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for Me?
First and foremost, what makes a good candidate for dental implants? Are dental implants the right choice for me? While there are some requirements that patients need to fulfill in order to qualify for dental implants, the good news is that most people are usually good candidates for it! Good candidates for dental implants have the following traits:
- Have healthy gums
- Are old enough for their jaw to stop growing
- Have enough bone structure to support and anchor the implants
- Have an overall good health
Even if you’ve lost bone structure in your jaw, you may still be a good candidate for dental implants. In fact, dental implants are actually recommended to prevent further bone loss in patients’ jaws. In these cases, your bone can actually be rebuilt with grafting procedures along with the implant process.
How is the Evaluation Process?
Successful dental implants start with a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaw, mouth, and overall health. You will be getting a full-mouth X-ray. This will help the dentist identify areas of the bone loss and analyze the shape of your sinuses and nerve location that will help them make precise assessments for your treatment. They will also do a thorough medical evaluation as your overall health and history play a big role in how well your dental implant will heal and fuse to the bone.
What Makes Me a Bad Candidate for Dental Implants?
While the number of conditions you have to pass to get dental implants isn’t that high, there are several conditions that put you at risk for a poor outcome. These conditions include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Cancer
- Radiation to the Jaws
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
- Uncontrolled gum disease
All of these factors can adversely affect your outcome. While it is possible to be a dental implant candidate with one of these conditions, your dentist can thoroughly assess your situation and work with you and your doctor to boost your overall health and functioning.
Several habits can also affect your suitability for dental implants. For example, people who severely clench or grind their teeth may not be the best candidate, as too much pressure can cause long-term damage to the implants. Also, people who take certain medications—such as steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system—may not be suitable candidates either. It’s important to talk to your dentist about your overall health and habits to ensure that you’ll be a great candidate for dental implants.
Let’s Get Started!
Dental implants are one of the best tooth loss solutions currently available today as they give you the look and feel of natural teeth. While there are some conditions that need to be met in order to be a good candidate, nothing is impossible. If you’re currently a bad candidate, we’re more than happy to work with you to see if there are things we can do to make you a good one. We hope this blog helps you see whether dental implants are the right choice for you. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants, contact California Dental Care today! We’re more than happy to help you with all of your dental needs! Give us a call at (707) 553-8008 or click here to schedule an appointment today!
