Have you recently lost a tooth? If you recently lost a tooth due to a sports injury, periodontal disease or some other occurrence, you will need to get that taken care of as soon as possible. A missing tooth can cause issues with chewing, can cause greater risk for gum disease and cavities, and can decrease cosmetic appeal. Luckily there are solutions for tooth avulsions dental implants. However there are certain conditions that make putting in dental implants easier. A good candidate for dental implants may need to be able to meet certain requirements.
At Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants, we understand that not everyone knows what goes into being a good candidate for dental implants. There is a lot to learn about this dental procedure if you are about to embark on it. If you have recently lost and tooth and want to know if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, keep reading to learn what you need to do to qualify.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a metal insert that looks like a little post. Dental implants are fixed underneath the gums to the jaw bone in order to fasten a false tooth on top. The purpose of a dental implant is to replace a missing tooth. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants due to a variety of requirements that come with this common dental procedure. Some of the requirements to be a good candidate for dental implants include the following:
1. A Good Candidate For Dental Implants Has Healthy Gums
The most important condition that dentists will be looking for in a good candidate for dental implants is whether or not the individual has healthy gums. Gums will appear pink and will be unyielding to the touch. They also will not be overly sensitive aside from the spot where the avulsion took place. Dentists will also verify that there are healthy teeth surrounding the spot where the missing tooth was. The reason why a potential dental implant beneficiary needs to have strong teeth and healthy gums is because the tissue needs to be able to support the dental implant.
2. A Good Candidate For Dental Implants Has A Healthy Jawbone
This requirement goes along with the last point. Having a strong, healthy jawbone is vital for dental implants because the implant is drilled into the bone. If the bone is strong enough, the dental implants can actually help maintain the strength of the bone overtime. However, if the bone is too weak, then the implant will not be able to stay in place and it cannot replace that bone.
Luckily, there are options available that can possibly prepare a jawbone for dental implants if there has been some bone deterioration. A procedure called bone grafting can help. Bone grafting includes putting an artificial bone in the place where the bone was and the jawbone should naturally seal. Sometimes the deterioration of the jawbone can be too severe for this procedure. If that is the case, you might not be a good candidate for dental implants and may need to consider alternative treatments.
3. A Good Candidate Has Good Oral Hygiene
Another thing that oral surgeons will be looking for in a candidate for dental implants is good oral hygiene. They will look for cavities and other evidence of gum disease. These conditions will make it evident that there may need to be more work in the oral hygiene department. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss and use a dentist recommended mouthwash. Also try to brush or rinse your mouth out with water after eating.
4. A Good Candidate Is Aware Of The Requirements
It is a long process to get dental implants. It can take anywhere from six to twelve months for the procedures to be completed. After the procedures are finished, it can take another several months to recover. It is important that individuals understand that it takes a lot of time for the process to be completed. Also, patients are required to quit smoking during this time period because it can cause issues and more deterioration to the jawbone. If you are aware of the requirements but aren’t interested in cutting out habits to start the process, you might not be a good candidate for dental implants.
Becoming a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
If you are in need of dental implants and want to find out if you are eligible for them, our team is happy to help you here at Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants. With years of experience helping patients across the Bismarck, North Dakota, area prepare for advanced dental procedures, we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
From dental implants and veneers to teeth whitening and Invisalign treatment, we offer a variety of services to deliver your dream smile. Contact us to get answers to any more questions that you may have about dental implants. We have many other services available to you. Find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants today.