People who want to have a replacement for their missing teeth can consider dental implants. This offers a great alternative to dentures and traditional bridges. Dental implants procedure entails the surgical placement of small titanium posts in the patient’s jaw to support the replacement teeth.
Although this is a great treatment option for dental issues, it is important to consider if it is the right treatment for you. Additionally, you also have to consider other dentures and dental implant solutions that you can explore other than dental implants.
This will enable you to decide what steps to take in finding solutions to your dental issues. If you are considering getting dental implants and wondering if you are a candidate for them, here is a list of the best candidates for dental implants.
Missing Teeth
Different reasons are responsible for losing your tooth. Some of these may include facial trauma and periodontal disease. If you have missing teeth, a dental implant procedure is a great option. If you have multiple missing teeth or a single missing tooth, you can consider this option of treatment.
You Are Old Enough
Of course, no one is too old to have dental implants, which means older patients can also get an implant. You only have to meet other requirements as detailed by your dentist. However, you can be too young to have a dental implant. Teenagers and children that lose a permanent tooth should not get dental implants.
The reason for this is because the jawbone of a young child is still developing and growing. Putting an implant in a child with an underdeveloped jaw may lead to other complications. Other dental solutions can be considered for children. When the jaw is fully formed, you can consider getting a dental implant for your child.
You must be Healthy
Dental implants require a surgical procedure. To go through the procedure, the patient must be in good health. This means you should not have any preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. It must be quickly pointed out that if you have any preexisting health condition does not mean you cannot have implants.
However, you must disclose any condition you have to your dentist so that you can be monitored and the condition put under control. When you get a dental implant and your health condition is not appropriately managed, other complications may arise in the course of the surgery.
You Do Not Smoke or Drink
When you go for your preliminary consultation, your dentist will ask questions about your lifestyle and habits, especially whether you smoke or drink. This is because alcohol can prevent your blood from clotting. This can be a major issue during surgery. Additionally, tobacco and alcohol use can affect the oxygen supply to your blood and reduce your blood flow. If you experience this, it can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of getting infected.
You Have a Near–perfect Jawbone
The state of your jawbone is very important when deciding if you are a candidate for dental implants or not. Your jawbone has to fuse with the implants after surgery as you heal. They should stabilize to offer secure support for the replaced teeth. When you lose bone mass, it may be difficult for your jawbone to fuse and the implant may not align properly. Therefore, ensure that your jawbone is in great shape before you consider a dental implant procedure.
Conclusion
Individuals with dental issues can consider dental implants to meet their teeth solutions. To be sure that you are a good candidate for this procedure, you should consider talking with your dentist.