Dental implants are the gold standard in dentistry when it comes to replacing missing teeth.
Why you ask…
Because they offer a permanent and natural-looking solution that safeguards your oral health and protects the structural integrity of your jawbone.
Still, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Some medical conditions and lifestyle factors interfere with the effectiveness of implants.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss these factors in-depth and talk about why, for most patients, dental implants are the best option to permanently replace missing teeth.
Before we talk about who may NOT be a great candidate for implants, let’s go over the general criteria that make someone an excellent candidate for implants.
- Dental implants are fused into your jawbone. This means you must have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support the implant securely.
- Your oral health needs to be in relatively good shape. So, if you have gum problems, this will need to be addressed before you can consider implants.
- Your health needs to be in relatively good shape. Medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can affect the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.
- Smoking WILL interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. So, it helps if you’re a non-smoker or if you’re at least willing to quit.
Who May Not Be Suitable Candidates
- If you lack sufficient bone density or volume in the jaw, you may not be a great candidate for dental implants. Without a strong foundation, implants may not integrate properly with the bone, and this can cause them to fail.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, lupus, other autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer make healing difficult for your body. Also, if you suffer from these conditions, you are at an increased risk of infection
- Smoking is a huge risk factor for implant failure. It can impair blood flow to the gums and bone. It will delay healing and increase the likelihood of complications. This is why we strongly encourage smokers to quit before undergoing implant surgeries and inform them that our warranty on implants is void if they continue their habit.
- Untreated periodontal disease will compromise the stability of dental implants by weakening the supporting structures of the teeth and bone. If you have active gum disease, you will need periodontal treatment and maintenance before implants can be considered.
Despite these potential limitations, most people seeking tooth replacement are suitable candidates for implants. With advancements in implant technology and surgical techniques, many barriers to treatment can be overcome. For example, if your jawbone is damaged, bone grafting procedures can be performed to augment bone volume.
If you’re considering dental implants, come in for a free, no-obligation consultation at Bowman Dental. We will evaluate your oral and overall health and conduct a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, and the structural integrity of your jawbone. By the end of your consultation, you will know if you’re a good candidate for implants, and we can discuss the best course of action to address your unique needs and help you achieve the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
Give us a call today at 603-605-0036.
We look forward to helping in every way we can and can’t wait to see you smile!
