Approximately 3 million people in North America currently have dental implants.
Are you thinking about becoming one of them? Do you want to replace missing teeth and improve your smile? Are you wondering whether or not you’re a good candidate for dental implants?
If you’re not sure, here are 5 things to consider to help you make the right decision for yourself and your oral health.
1. Are Your Gums and Teeth in Good Health?
Before they approve you to begin the process of getting dental implants, your dentist will want to take a good look at your teeth and gums.
Your teeth and gums need to be in good health before you can have dental implants and crowns placed. Otherwise, you might be at risk of dealing with other oral health problems in the future.
2. Are Your Jaw Bones Healthy?
Another important factor to consider is the health of the bones in your jaw. If your bones aren’t strong enough, your implants and crowns might come loose while you’re chewing.
During their exam, your dentist will take x-ray images. This gives them a chance to get a good look at these bones and determine whether or not they can support dental implants now and in the future.
3. Do You Smoke?
If you smoke, you are not a good candidate for the dental implant procedure. Smoking slows down the healing process, increases your risk of infection, and can make it harder for you to recover after having your implants and crowns placed.
If you have recently given up smoking, your dentist may be willing to do the procedure still. However, they will want to know that you’ve gone without smoking for a while (at least a few months, if not longer) to see that you’re serious about quitting.
4. Are You Patient?
The dental implant procedure isn’t a quick one. It takes about 12 months, in most cases, to place the implant, let the gums heal, and prepare the crown to go on top of the implant.
If you’re not patient and are looking for a quick fix, implants might not be the right approach. You might be better off with a treatment different, less invasive treatment.
5. Can You Care for Dental Implants?
Finally, your dentist will want to know that you have good oral hygiene habits. Do you brush and floss your teeth regularly? Do you get checkups and professional cleanings twice a year?
If you can’t or don’t want to keep up with dental implant care, they might discourage you from investing money and time in this treatment.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
After reading through the criteria above, do you think you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Do you want to move forward with this procedure?
If so, reach out to a professional who specializes in restorative dentistry today to schedule a consultation and start the process.
Looking for more information on other ways to replace missing teeth, such as dentures? Check out some of the other oral health blogs on our site today to continue learning.
