4 Traits That Can Make You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

You’ve been researching ways to replace your missing teeth, and from what you’ve found, dental implants seem like a great choice thanks to the many unique benefits they offer. But are they a good fit for you? That’s a question that only your dentist can answer after examining your mouth. In the meantime, though, it’s worth learning about the traits that can make you a viable dental implant candidate; below are 4 key examples.

1. You Have Healthy Gums

Gum disease can be a significant obstacle to using dental implants to rebuild your smile. Implant posts rely on your gums and the underlying jawbone for support. However, gum disease can damage these tissues and ultimately cause your implant posts to come loose. As such, your dentist will need to confirm that your mouth is free of gum disease before you can receive dental implants.

2. You Have Enough Bone in Your Jaw to Support Dental Implants

Dental implants rely on a natural process called osseointegration to fuse with the jawbone, allowing them to stay permanently anchored in place. However, osseointegration can only occur if there’s enough bone present. Thus, in order to get dental implants, you need to have sufficient bone density in your jaw.

It should be noted that many patients with missing teeth suffer bone loss in their jaws. This is a direct consequence of the jawbone no longer receiving stimulation from the natural teeth. Fortunately, even if you have experienced bone loss, you may still be able to qualify for dental implants if you undergo a bone grafting procedure.

3. You Don’t Have Any Uncontrolled Chronic Diseases

Research shows that people with diabetes have a higher chance of experiencing dental implant failure. This is just one example of a chronic disease that can cause problems for dental implants. Your dentist will need to know about any health conditions that you’re currently experiencing and determine how they might affect your ability to have dental implants placed.

4. You Can Commit to Practicing Excellent Dental Hygiene for Life

If you want your dental implants to last as long as possible, you need to be able to take good care of them. As such, you’ll have to commit to a lifetime of maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly. On top of that, you should plan to visit your dentist at least two times a year so that they can make sure that your dental implants (and the rest of your smile) are still in good condition.

About the Author

Dr. Peter J. Colosimo graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry. He regularly attends continuing education courses to keep himself up to date with the latest dental techniques. His practice, Shorewood Family Dentistry, is partnered with local specialists who can expertly place dental implants. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Colosimo, visit his website or call (414) 332-8150.