While about 178 million Americans experience tooth loss, the positive news is that there are various solutions to restore your smile, with dental implants being a favored option. Despite their numerous advantages, dental implants may not be suitable for everyone. To assist you in evaluating their suitability for your case, here are five qualities that indicate whether you might be a good candidate for dental implants.
#1: Healthy Gums
Accumulation of plaque along the gumline can result in an infection, leading to the formation of pockets where harmful bacteria can gather. Without proper treatment, these bacteria may attack the supporting bone for both natural teeth and dental implants, potentially causing implant failure. Individuals with dental implants face an increased risk of gum disease compared to those with natural teeth, underscoring the importance of commencing with healthy gums.
#2: Exceptional Oral Hygiene
Ensuring the longevity of your smile, whether with natural teeth or dental implants, requires dedicated care. Brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and incorporating mouthwash into your routine help eliminate harmful bacteria, maintaining the health of your dental implants akin to natural teeth.
#3: A Healthy Jawbone
Osseointegration, the fusion of implants with the jawbone, is a crucial aspect of dental implant candidacy. A healthy jawbone is essential for this process. Tooth loss can result in insufficient jawbone stimulation, leading to bone loss. In cases of significant shrinkage, a bone graft may be necessary to ensure proper support for dental implants.
#4: Good Lifestyle Choices
To be an ideal candidate for dental implants, it’s crucial to avoid heavy smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking substantially raises the risk of gum disease, doubling the likelihood for smokers compared to nonsmokers.
Smoking before surgery may lead to bone loss, affecting the ease of implant placement. Excessive alcohol intake and smoking can hinder the healing process, with drinking potentially causing dry mouth and interfering with blood clotting.
#5: Great Overall Health
Patients undergoing dental implant surgery may face higher risks of complications if they have chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea. Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, potentially increasing the likelihood of implant failure and interfering with osseointegration.
Conditions like sleep apnea and heart disease can affect the effectiveness of anesthesia during the procedure. It is essential to inform your dentist of any chronic conditions you have before undergoing dental implant surgery.
Schedule a consultation with your Little Rock dentist to assess your candidacy for dental implants, considering the factors mentioned above. This proactive step allows you to make informed decisions about your overall health and progress towards achieving a smile you’ll be proud to showcase!
About the Practice
Entrust your dental care to Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, where Dr. Kristopher R. Harth and Dr. Eric L. Townsend lead a team dedicated to compassionate and attentive services. Specializing in comprehensive oral health solutions for the entire family, they provide treatments like dental implants to restore your smile’s former brilliance. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or contact them at (904) 285-7711.