Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Russellville, AL
 If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implant surgery is the most effective, long-lasting, and natural-looking option that can help you restore the form, function, and integrity of your tooth. At Singing River Dentistry, we recommend dental implants since they do not adversely affect your natural and healthy teeth.
Request an Appointment
Good Candidates For Dental Implants
Most people are good candidates for a dental implant. There are many benefits of dental implant surgery, including strengthening of the jawbone and prevention of bone loss in people who have lost their natural teeth.
Here are a few characteristics that a good candidate for a dental implant should have:
Healthy Gums
The number one criteria for getting dental implants is healthy gums. People who have untreated periodontitis cannot get dental implants since this infection breaks down the gum tissue and supporting bone structure surrounding the implant, leading to implant failure. As such, you will need to treat your periodontal disease before getting dental implants.
A Strong Jawbone
A dental implant requires a strong and dense jawbone that can anchor it. People who have missing teeth and have been wearing dentures for a long time develop a soft jawbone. This is due to the loss of bone that occurs due to the absence of adequate bone stimulation that comes from natural teeth. If you have a soft jawbone, we can still help you through bone augmentation surgery. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves developing stronger bones in the area where the implant needs to be fixed.
A Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing as well as keeping your dental checkup appointments are essential for the longevity of your dental implants. Although dental implants are made of titanium and are resistant to corrosion, the soft and hard tissue supporting it can become infected. Once these tissues break down, there will be nothing securely holding your dental implant, which will lead to implant failure.
People Who May Not Be Good Candidates For Dental Implants
There are certain lifestyle and medical conditions which can delay or prevent dental implant surgery.
| • |
Minors: Dental implant surgery is not recommended for people under the age of 18 since their jaw is still maturing.
|
| • |
Pregnant Women: Pregnancy results in dramatic hormonal changes which can result in gum infections and tooth decay. It is advised that pregnant women delay their implant surgery until after the baby is born.
|
| • |
People Who Smoke: Cigarettes contain nicotine which prevents sufficient blood flow and disrupts healing. People who smoke may develop fibrous tissues in their bones that are not strong enough to support the dental implant.
|
| • |
Patients with Cancer: Patients who are undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck area may not be good candidates for dental implants since radiation can cause cell death in the jaw. As a result, the integrity of your jaw will become compromised and it will not be able to anchor a dental implant.
|
| • |
People with Compromised Immunity: People who suffer from chronic and autoimmune diseases and other connective tissue disorders may experience excessive bleeding and complications after the surgery.
|
| • |
People Undergoing Organ Transplant: People who are undergoing organ transplants need to take immunity-suppressing drugs that can increase the chance of infection and prevent healing. Such people are not good candidates for dental implants.
|
| • |
People With Bruxism: People who have bruxism or are in the habit of grinding their teeth can exert an immense amount of force on their dental implant, causing it to dislodge or crack. |
Most of the above candidates can get dental implants once they treat their medical condition or improve their lifestyle habits. AND can check to see if you are a good candidate for dental implant surgery.
Schedule an Appointment
To prevent the bone of your jaw from being resorped in the body, we recommend you get dental implants as soon as possible. Call 256-460-4191 today to schedule an appointment with us.
Request an Appointment
|
