When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there’s perhaps no option as fantastic as dental implants. They’re capable of assisting patients with varying degrees of tooth loss, and can restore teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality for up to several decades. That said, not everyone with missing teeth is immediately eligible for dental implants, and certain characteristics stand out as ideal for potential candidates. Here’s a closer look at the three things that you’ll want to have if you’re interested in getting dental implants to restore your smile.
1. Healthy Gums
Believe it or not, dental implants are actually more vulnerable to gum inflammation than your natural teeth! If plaque and tartar form beneath the gumline and trigger an infection, the gum tissue can detach from the implants and create pockets where additional harmful bacteria can collect. Once your implants are in place, it’s also possible for gum disease to provide bacteria that attack your jawbone, weakening it and the support it provides for your posts. Patients with pristine gums are ideal candidates for dental implants, but luckily, advanced gum disease can be treated beforehand to facilitate a suitable environment for the implants.
2. Sufficient Jawbone Density
What makes dental implants so unique is their composition; they’re made from biocompatible materials like titanium, meaning they can safely fuse with a patient’s jawbone. However, the existing jawbone needs to be strong enough to support these posts, or they’re likely to become loose and fail later. What’s worse is that long-term tooth loss can weaken the jawbone to this point since the jaw relies on the teeth’s roots for stimulation. The good news is that patients with insufficient jawbone density aren’t entirely out of luck. A supplemental dental bone graft can be performed to fortify the existing jawbone prior to dental implant placement.
3. Commitment to Daily Hygiene
Dental implants might replace your natural teeth, but they don’t replace the need to maintain excellent oral hygiene. If you aren’t diligent about brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist as needed, your implants are likely to fail. The ideal dental implant candidate shows devout commitment to their oral hygiene; that way, their implants are likely to last for decades. Fortunately, dental implant care doesn’t involve anything non-standard or out of the ordinary; simply brush and care for them daily as you would your natural teeth.
The bottom line is that while dental implants are certainly the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, not everyone is immediately a viable candidate for them. Luckily, with a little help from your dentist, getting to the point where you can receive dental implants is straightforward if you keep these characteristics in mind.
About the Practice
Here at Community Dentists of Worcester, our team is thrilled to provide patients and families in the area with an unrivaled level of dental care. We offer a wide range of restorative treatment options, including life-changing dental implants for qualifying patients. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up a consultation, feel free to visit us online or call us today for further information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 255-7345.
