Tooth loss is a frustrating problem that can take its toll on your self-image, your self-esteem, and even your ability to chew a wide variety of foods. Fortunately, dental implants are regarded as the best form of tooth replacement around because they look, feel, and behave just like real teeth. However, a patient must meet a few criteria before they can be cleared to receive dental implants. Here are a few of the attributes of excellent dental implant candidates and how you may be able to achieve them.
Dental Implants Need Healthy Gums
Dental implants need to form a sturdy foundation to be successful, and the key to this is healthy gums. During your dental implant consultation, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your mouth to assess the health of your gums and other tissues. If they find gum disease at any stage, this will have to be cleared up before you can receive dental implants. This may only require that you improve your oral hygiene routine at home or that you undergo root scaling and planing at your dentist’s office.
Dental Implants Require Strong Jawbones
Like every other part of the body, the jawbones need regular exercise to stay healthy and strong. Since this stimulation normally comes from the teeth during the chewing process, the jawbones can begin to atrophy and recede as teeth are lost. While dental implants can prevent or even reverse this process, the jawbones will need to be thick enough to host them. If your jawbones are too thin for dental implants, you may be able to reinforce them with bone grafting treatments over the course of a few months.
Smoking Is Bad for Dental Implants
Tobacco use in any form is terrible for your oral and overall health, and smoking is one of the most common reasons behind dental implant failure. The success of a dental implant depends on its healing properly, and the nicotine in tobacco causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for the gums to heal and fight infection. To make matters worse, your gums harden as you inhale to protect themselves from all the nasty chemicals that smoke contains. Having to protect themselves like this frequently can exhaust them and cause them to recede.
Don’t let a few hurdles discourage you from getting dental implants. Consulting with your dentist can determine the best way for you to become an excellent candidate for treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Coats earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Creighton University School of Dentistry. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the American Dental Association, the Colorado Dental Association, and the Boulder County Dental Association. His office in Longmont, CO offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact the office online or dial (303) 776-4090.