Every year, millions of people around the world have their missing teeth replaced with dental implants, and it’s easy to see why so many choose them. Compared to every other option, they are the strongest, most natural-looking, and most durable by far. So if you have gaps in your smile, you might be asking yourself, “Am I a good candidate for dental implants?”
The only way to find out is to have a consultation with an implant dentist, but to give you a general idea, this quick checklist covers the most important points when it comes to being an ideal candidate for dental implants.
Is Your Jawbone Strong?
This is one of the most important factors when it comes to the success of dental implants: the condition of the jawbone that will be holding onto the posts.
People who have been missing teeth for a long time typically have experienced some bone loss in their jaw, meaning it might be too thin or weak to support new teeth. This doesn’t disqualify them from getting implants, however—it just means they may need to undergo a bone graft first.
Is Your Overall Health Under Control?
In order to get dental implants, they need to be placed into the mouth via a minor surgery. One of the first things a dentist will want to know is if someone is healthy enough for the procedure, more specifically, do they have any ongoing or unmanaged conditions that could lead to complications.
Most of the time this refers to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but in general, if you have a lingering health issue (dental or otherwise), it needs to be under control before dental implants can be a viable option.
Do You Smoke or Drink Excessively?
The healing period right after dental implant placement sets the stage for someone’s future smile, but habits like smoking (and vaping) or drinking too much alcohol can prevent the new teeth from properly bonding within the mouth.
Usually, a patient is asked to stop smoking/drinking about two weeks before and after surgery. The best case scenario is that they quit altogether, because otherwise, they could contribute to the implants failing in the future.
Are You Committed to the Process?
While it can vary from person to person, it can take anywhere from six months to a year to get dental implants. From there, ongoing maintenance (in the form of regular oral hygiene) is necessary to ensure their longevity.
A person needs to ask themselves if they are willing to commit to this before deciding to get dental implants. If they want a faster solution, dentures and dental bridges can do amazing things, albeit without offering the same level of security and aesthetics as implants.
When you meet with your implant dentist, they’ll ask about these subjects and more to help both of you figure out whether or not dental implants are the right choice. If you’re determined to get them, your dentist will be more than happy to help you become a good candidate even if you aren’t one today. With them, they’ll make sure nothing stands between you and your future smile.
About the Practice
At Dallas Esthetics, we’re led by a team of four dentists, including prosthodontist Dr. Frank Higginbottom, who has decades of combined experience providing dental implants. Together, they create customized treatment plans and utilize the latest dental technology and techniques to help you restore your smile.
Call (214) 827-1150 or email appointments@dallasesthetics.com to schedule a dental implant consultation to take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future.
