Millions of people throughout the United States are living with dental implants, which means that at one point, they were considered “good candidates.” What does this qualification mean, though? Are there certain criteria required to receive these prosthetics, and if so, what are they? If you are thinking about your tooth replacement options but want a more permanent solution, read on to discover what your dentist considers before deciding on the future of your smile.
Dental Implant Criteria: What is Required?
When meeting your dentist for an initial consultation, they will not only discuss your smile goals and any concerns you have, but also consider additional factors before determining your candidacy for dental implants.
They will look at:
- Your Overall Health: Are you healthy enough to undergo minor oral surgery? If you have certain conditions or disorders, like diabetes or an autoimmune disease, additional consideration is required to ensure dental implant failure does not occur.
- Your Oral Health: Do you have dental decay, cavities, gum disease, or other similar issues that need treatment? Failing to fix these issues beforehand can result in dental implant failure and worsening symptoms that require money and time to address.
- Your Jawbone Density: Is your jawbone dense enough to support your dental implants and future restoration?
How to Become a Good Candidate
While it is possible for your dentist to immediately clear you for dental implant surgery, many patients require additional treatment before being given the green light.
For example, if you’ve been without teeth for some time, you may lack the density required to successfully support your new teeth. However, with a bone graft, your dentist can integrate new material with your existing bone to establish a firm foundation for future implants.
Also, if you have oral problems, like cavities or gum disease, your dentist can recommend additional solutions to address these issues before receiving dental implants. This will create a healthier environment for your new teeth to live in for the long term.
Just because you may not be a good candidate immediately doesn’t mean you can’t become one over time. With your dentist’s help, you can take the necessary steps to make your mouth the ideal place for newer, longer-lasting, one-of-a-kind artificial teeth.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we are pleased to have several dentists and an in-office periodontist on staff. When working with patients who are interested in dental implants, we can complete thorough examinations to ensure each individual is set up for successful placement and restoration. If you want to be considered for dental implant surgery, visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to discover what steps you must take to attain your goal.