Patients with missing or damaged teeth often ask our doctors about the possibility of getting dental implants. Dental implants are today’s gold standard for tooth replacement, and they are an excellent investment in your oral health as well as your quality of life.
Unfortunately, not every patient is automatically eligible to have implants. This article will outline some qualities that indicate you are a good candidate to receive dental implants.
1. You Are Free of Untreated Gum Disease
Gum disease is one of the most perilous conditions if you have dental implants. Left untreated, gum disease weakens the soft tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. It can also be accompanied by a high-risk condition called peri-implantitis, which attacks the gums and bone that hold your dental implants in place. If you develop peri-implantitis, your chances of implant failure increase significantly.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, may be fully reversible if you see your dentist and take excellent care of your teeth. Treating gum disease clears the way for dental implants.
2. You Are Healthy Enough for a Surgical Procedure
If you have any severe medical conditions, ask your physician whether you can safely undergo dental implant surgery. Certain conditions can impede proper healing.
3. You Have Sufficient Jawbone Density
Since dental implant anchors reside in the jawbone, you need enough volume to support them. If your extracted tooth has been missing for some time, your bone will likely recede due to a lack of natural chewing stimulation. Luckily, you can undergo a simple procedure called a dental bone graft to bolster your bone strength and build healthy bone tissue before undergoing surgery.
4. You Do Not Use Tobacco Products
Tobacco products of all kinds (including but not limited to cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vapes) reduce blood flow to the gums. This problem interferes with proper healing and could cause implant failure. If you want dental implants, first do your best to quit using tobacco.
5. You Have Excellent Oral Hygiene Skills
Patients with dental implants must practice meticulous oral hygiene. While single-tooth dental implants require only brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, removing all plaque and food particles is even more important than it is with natural teeth.
Explore Whether You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
We would be glad to schedule a consultation to review your eligibility for dental implants and determine whether any preparatory work is needed before moving forward. Fortunately, most adults can receive dental implants if they meet these criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Can I get a dental implant even if it has been many years since I lost my tooth?
Yes, we frequently see patients in this situation. A grafting procedure can help you compensate for lost jawbone volume if needed.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
We make the process comfortable using local anesthesia. You may feel pressure and other sensations, but it should not be painful.
How long does the entire implant process take?
For a single-tooth implant, the process may take several months to a year. Each step typically requires a few months’ healing time before proceeding. Your time investment will be entirely worth it when you have a fully healed dental implant.
Are there any food restrictions with dental implants?
Patients need not exclude any of their favorite foods from their diet. Brush and floss well as you would with natural teeth.
Is there an upper age limit for dental implants?
Older patients with good oral health can receive dental implants, as can younger patients. There is no upper age limit.
Our team at Stonington Dental Associates and Frenchtown Dental Associates is ready to help you complete your smile. We can answer your questions about dental implants and bridges and help you decide which option is best for you. Contact us to schedule your consultation today!