Did you know that 36 million Americans don’t have any teeth? Plus, a whopping 120 million U.S. adults are missing at least one tooth! Fortunately, whether you are missing one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth, dental implants can effectively restore your smile, bite, and speech. However, to ensure you get the long-lasting results you deserve, you must meet the necessary criteria. If you are interested in this popular restorative procedure but are unsure if it is right for you, read on for the five qualities of a good dental implant candidate.
#1. An Adequate Amount of Bone
To provide a superior level of durability while simultaneously stimulating your jawbone, dental implants are surgically placed directly into your bone. However, if you do not have a sufficient amount of bone available, then it will significantly decrease the likelihood of dental implant success. Therefore, your dentist may recommend undergoing a bone graft before the procedure or opting for a less invasive treatment option, like dentures.
#2. Healthy Gums
Although dental implants are cavity-resistant, they are more prone to gum inflammation than natural teeth. If plaque builds up and creates an infection after your implant is placed, a pocket can form and become home to harmful bacteria. From there, gum disease can attack the bone that supports your implants and cause them to become loose or otherwise fail. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that patients have healthy gums!
#3. A Commitment to Good Oral Health
Thanks to innovations in dentistry and technology, dental implants today have over a 95% success rate! While an experienced surgeon is a large contributor to its success, a proper oral hygiene routine plays an equally important role. Therefore, patients must commit to brushing their teeth twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash regularly, and visiting their dentist twice a year following their procedure.
#4. Free from Chronic Health Conditions
Unfortunately, patients with chronic health conditions are at risk of complications throughout the dental implant procedure, which negatively impacts their candidacy. For example, patients with heart disease and sleep apnea can experience problems with anesthesia and those with diabetes can encounter issues during the healing process. Therefore, your dentist may recommend alternative treatment options over dental implants.
#5. Do Not Smoke or Excessively Drink Alcohol
Indulging in tobacco products and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can significantly inhibit your mouth’s ability to heal. Plus, smoking increases your risk of gum disease and extreme alcohol consumption can result in bone loss, which are two consequences that lead to complications with dental implants. Therefore, your dentist can help you put a plan in place to quit these poor oral habits or suggest a different restorative solution.
Over 3 million patients have enjoyed the life-changing benefits of dental implants. To join them, talk to your dentist today about whether you are a good candidate for this popular restorative procedure!
About the Practice
At Sommers Family Dental, each member of the team is united by their mission to deliver personalized care and world-class service that is second to none. With their talented staff at their side, both Dr. Joseph M. Malecki Jr. and Dr. Scott L. Sommers use their clinical expertise and commitment to exemplary dentistry to help their patients with everything from preventive care to restorative procedures. If you would like to speak with their team about whether dental implants in Aurora are right for you, visit their website or give them a call at 630-892-7041.
