Dental implants can transform your mouth and improve your quality of life. This dental treatment involves implanting an artificial root into your jawbone to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth.
The result?
They look and function just like a real tooth.
Most patients find that they are candidates for dental implants and go on to have great success with the procedure. The rest are either not ideal candidates - or they need to clear up a few things before they are.
Below is an idea of who a dental implant candidate is.
Dental Implant Candidates Have a Missing Tooth
A dental implant is designed to replace a missing tooth. Therefore, an ideal candidate for a dental implant will have a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Sometimes the dentist will agree to extract a tooth - say, one badly decayed - and replace it with an implant.
Dental implants can include a single tooth implant, implant-supported bridges, implant-supported dentures, or even a full arch with only four implants.
Dental Implant Candidates Have the Right Bone Density
Because the dental implant itself is implanted and must fuse with the jaw bone in order to be successful, you have to actually have enough bone. Some people naturally have enough bone density and are capable of moving forward with the procedure. Others, not so much.
Don’t be discouraged. While lacking bone density will get you disqualified from getting dental implants, there is a procedure that can increase your bone density making it easier for you to qualify. This is known as bone grafting.
This procedure adds additional bone so that, once healed, you will have a bone dense enough to hold the dental implant.
Dental Implant Candidates Have Good Oral Hygiene Routine
How well do you take care of your teeth? Having good oral health is important for dental implants to heal properly while reducing the chance of infections down the road. It also will help them to remain healthy in the future.
Any current dental health issues, including decay, infections, periodontal disease, and the like must be addressed before the dental implant procedure can take place.
A good oral hygiene routine consists of:
- Brushing at least two times per day
- Flossing daily
- Visiting your dentist for routine checkups every 6 months
Dental Implant Candidates Have No Tobacco Use
Using tobacco, whether smoking or otherwise, can do more than cause harm to your whole body. It can instead interrupt your body's natural healing abilities When you undergo a dental implant procedure, you need all your focus turned on health - and that means there is no room for tobacco.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are curious whether or not you may benefit from dental implants, then it is time to book an appointment with an experienced dental team. At TMJ Wellness Center, we have everything you need - including a customized 3-D implant surgical guide to ensure that your implants are exactly where they need to be for the greatest success. A dental material test can be done to determine the best dental implant materials choice for your body.
At your initial appointment, we will do an examination and determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for dental implants. Then, we can move forward whenever you are ready.
To learn more, contact us today at 817-481-6888. Or, schedule a consultation online.