How to Know You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

You know you want to replace your missing teeth, and dental implants in Richardson are what you hope to receive when meeting with your dentist, but are you eligible for treatment? Because of the process that is required for successful implant placement, you must possess the right characteristics to be considered a “good candidate.” A local dentist shares what they will be looking for when you schedule a consultation to begin the tooth replacement process.

The Health of Your Jawbone

For dental implant placement to be successful, it is necessary that you have a strong, durable jawbone. Your dentist will need to surgically place each post into the bone before osseointegration occurs, which is the fusing of the bone and surrounding tissue to the implant. If this area of your mouth is weakened in any way, the chances for failure increase. It is possible that even if your jawbone has deteriorated, you can undergo a bone graft to strengthen designated areas.

The State of Your Immune System

If you have a healthy immune system, you can expect a positive report from your dentist. When the body is not plagued by disease or infection, it can heal quickly, which is highly beneficial when implants need to fuse to the jawbone. Individuals living with a compromised immune system may be ineligible for implant placement because of the high risk of failure that comes with the body’s inability to heal and recover from surgery in a timely manner.

Your Commitment to Your Oral Health

When talking with your dentist about the idea of receiving dental implants, you must remain committed to taking proper care of your smile. Even if the reason for your tooth loss was due to poor oral hygiene, it is vital that you adhere to the brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular checkups needed to maintain your dental health. Implants are designed to last decades (with proper maintenance), but should you put your teeth and gums on the back burner, you can expect to experience problems in the future. Wearing dental implants comes with a high level of responsibility you will need to commit to from the start.

Your Gums are Healthy

If you lost your teeth to gum disease, it will be necessary to address this problem before moving forward with dental implants. It is imperative that along with a healthy jawbone you also have soft oral tissues that are disease-free. Once your implants are in place, inflammation can more easily attack these areas. If plaque-causing bacteria forms, it can cause your implant to detach and result in failure. Your dentist will explain what you will need to do to ensure you maintain proper gum health to avoid any potential problems in the future.

You Avoid Bad Habits

Smoking, tobacco use, and excessive drinking are all poor lifestyle habits that can decrease your chances of receiving dental implants. Because they weaken your immune system and interfere with proper healing, your dentist may suggest either an alternative tooth replacement solution or finding ways to quit before moving forward with treatment. You should avoid these bad habits at all costs to ensure your implants remain in place as long as possible.

Dental implants are a worthwhile investment, and your dentist will go to great lengths to help you achieve the smile you desire. By adhering to these tips and recommendations, you can set yourself up for a positive consultation that will start you on a journey to better oral health.

About the Practice
At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, our team of dentists wants you to feel good about your smile. When it comes to tooth replacement, the superior solution is dental implants. From the moment you arrive for your initial consultation, we will examine your smile and determine if possess the necessary characteristics that make someone a “good candidate” for this type of treatment. If you would like to know more about what makes a person eligible to receive these longer-lasting, permanent restorations, contact us at (972) 231-5376.