What Makes Me a Viable Dental Implant Candidate?

Dental implants are an impact addition to any smile that needs a boost. They restore bite force, prevent bone loss, are easy to care for, and match your natural teeth, just to name a few benefits.

There’s no denying they are a great option for tooth replacement. But are they a good match for your smile specifically? Keep reading to learn some important qualifications that you need to meet to be a viable dental implant candidate from your dentist in Arlington.

No Smoking and Limited Alcohol Consumption

Using tobacco or alcohol lessens your body’s ability to properly heal. Frequent alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth, inhibit blood clotting, and even lead to bone loss. Smoking increases your chances of developing gum disease and can also contribute to bone loss, potentially resulting in implant failure.

Overall Health Condition Is Good

The rate of dental implant failure rises with patients who have a chronic disease. For example, a patient with diabetes has a higher rate of implant failure because their condition interferes with osseointegration and slows the healing process. Heart disease and sleep apnea can impede anesthesia, which could create complications during surgery. Therefore, a dental implant candidate should ideally be free from chronic diseases.

Sufficient Bone Density

Adequate jawbone density is required for a patient to have a successful implant procedure, which makes sense considering they are anchored into the jaw. Osseointegration is a key part of the process since it ensures your implants stay in place permanently to provide unmatched stability and a strong bite force. However, if you don’t have an adequate amount of bone, your implants can become loose or fail. Fortunately, you can undergo a bone graft to create more area for implant placement, thus improving your candidacy.

Healthy Gums

Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone and the osseointegration – fusion of implants to the bone – that occurs gives them unmatched stability as a tooth replacement option. Your gums help keep them firmly anchored. However, if your gums are compromised in any way, they won’t effectively hold the titanium post in place. So, patients with gum disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy before becoming eligible for implants. Otherwise, bacteria can attack the bone supporting the implant, causing it to fail.

Oral Hygiene Is Essential

The best way to ensure that dental implants will be a success and the surrounding gums will be healthy is to maintain a consistent oral hygiene regimen. The implants are relatively low maintenance once they are fused to your jawbone, but proper dental care is necessary to prevent complications. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash, and regularly visiting your dentist will help you enjoy your new smile for years to come!

If you meet all these qualifications or know you can make some adjustments in your life to get there, then dental implants can become a reality for you. To learn more about this tremendous tooth replacement option, contact your implant dentist in Arlington.

About the Author

Dr. Prachi Shah has been working hard for patients in the Arlington area since 2014. She earned her dental doctorate from New York University and has enjoyed the opportunity to practice dentistry in New Mexico and California before her Texas tenure started. A member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Shah holds certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Level 1 and 2 Oral Sedation. If you are interested in dental implants, she can perform the entire treatment at her office location to replace any number of missing teeth for a lifetime. Low-interest dental financing is available. The first step is to schedule a dental implant consultation on her website or by calling (817) 860-2222.