Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial replacements for tooth roots. The implants help to provide a firm foundation for crowns that are made to replace the damaged natural teeth. There are many benefits of dental implants, and they include improved speech and appearance. They make it easier to eat, they improve self-esteem, and they improve comfort and oral health.

Virtually any adult with missing teeth can benefit from a dental implant procedure. In some cases, additional procedures are necessary to ensure that you get optimal results from the implant procedure. If you are wondering whether you are a good candidate for dental implants, answering the following questions will help.

Have You Lost a Tooth or Teeth?

If you have lost a tooth or several teeth, you can benefit from dental implants. The implants are made to look and function just like natural teeth. The implants are functional, attractive, and long-lasting. This means that you can get optimal results, and you do not have to live with the consequences of missing teeth.

Are You an Adult in Good Health?

To be a candidate for a dental implant, you need to be an adult and be in good health. Implants are not recommended for children because their jaws are still growing. You need to be in good health for the procedure. Like with any other type of surgery, being in good health will help to ensure optimal results. If you have health complications, consult your doctor before the surgery.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

Before you get dental implants, you need to treat any underlying oral conditions. If you are trying to replace failing teeth, it is important to determine the cause. Find out whether a root canal or treating gum disease is an option. The dentist will have to determine whether tooth extraction is the best treatment option. Gum disease can also affect dental implants.

Do You Lack Adequate Bone?

Dental implants will require support from the jawbone. This means that if you do not have enough bone to support the implants, you may require an additional procedure. The dental surgeon may recommend a bone graft procedure. This will help to ensure the success of the dental implants. The bone grafting may be performed at the same time or as a separate procedure.

Are You a Smoker?

Your lifestyle will determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. While it cannot prevent it, smoking can greatly impact the success of dental implants. The risk of dental implant failure increases tremendously if you are a smoker. To get the best results, you should quit smoking before the surgery. If you can quit permanently, you will have a better chance of maintaining the implants.

Are You on Any Medication?

It is important to inform the dental surgeon about any medications that you may be taking. Some medications can increase the risk of dental implant failure. If you are taking antidepressants or other drugs, talk to the dentist. This also includes over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

The best way to find out whether you are a good candidate for dental implants is by talking to the dentist. You can discuss your health concerns and medications and find out how your lifestyle can affect the implants.

To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, contact Reaves Dental in New Hartford, NY at (315) 736-0139 to book an appointment today.