Candidates for Dental Implants

A dental implant is a permanent solution to tooth loss. It is more stable than dentures or dental bridges. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry recognizes that a lot of adults in the United States can benefit from getting implants. Although many dental patients want to have this procedure, not everyone is a good candidate. If you are interested in this surgery, here is what you need to know about who the right candidates for dental implants should be.

 

Non-Smoker

Dental surgeons cannot stress enough the importance of not smoking before, in between, and after dental implant surgery. Healing is necessary for a dental implant procedure. When you smoke, you deprive your tissues of sufficient blood flow. If there is not enough blood reaching your surgical wounds, then they will not heal well. Instead, the infection will set in. If you want to heal properly, you should stop smoking weeks before the dental implant surgery. You should extend your non-smoker status until your implants have healed completely.

 

Healthy Gums

You should not have any periodontal disease before your dental implant procedure. If you have a brewing gum infection, it should be resolved first before the procedure begins. The periodontal disease may seep into the bone if you get your dental implants before the infection disappears. The infected bone could then affect your general health. Because of this, your dental implants are most likely to fail.

 

Good Physical Health

When you decide to get dental implants, remember that you will go through surgery. You should be in good health because you will receive a dose of anesthesia during the procedure. During the consultation, tell your surgeon about the medications you may be taking. Expect questions about your medical history. To be certain about your good general health, your dental surgeon may need a medical release certificate from your attending physician.

 

Sufficient Bone Density

Dental experts say that a healthy jawbone is key to successful dental implant surgery. A jawbone that is in tip-top shape has enough bone density to support the implant. In case you have a weak jawbone structure, any of the following methods can restore your jawbone’s integrity:
 

• Sinus enhancement
  
   If your original bone tissue deteriorated because of your missing upper back molars, this will add the necessary bone tissue to help support the implant.
   

• Ridge expansion
  
  Your dental surgeon places a bone graft along the top part of your jaw to increase your jawbone’s width.
   

• Bone augmentation
  
  Growth factors and bone additives will add more mass to your jawbone.
  
   

Good Oral Hygiene

If you know how to care for your teeth and gums, you will likely have a successful implant. Regular dental visits, brushing twice daily, and flossing every day should already be instilled in you.

 

A good candidate for this procedure always has a chance at having successful dental implants. At Obeng Family Dental, we always work closely with our patients, from evaluation to recovery.

 

Find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, contact Obeng Family Dental in Port Orange, FL at 386-761-9440 to schedule an appointment.