Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dentist Ann Arbor, MI
 If you have lost a tooth or have multiple missing teeth, dental implants may seem like the perfect dental restorative procedure to go for. After all, dental implants look and function exactly like your natural teeth, and once you have them, they not only save your smile, but allow you to enjoy your favorite foods. Moreover, dental implants are low on maintenance, and if you take care of your dental implants well, they can last a lifetime.
But before many people consider getting dental implants, a critical question that remains is, “Am I a candidate for dental implants?” Since dental implants require oral surgery, a few things need to be checked beforehand to ensure that your restorative treatment succeeds. Here are some of the factors you should consider that will allow you to determine your candidacy for dental implants.
Good Gum Health
Dental implants are placed into your gums and serve as the root of your natural tooth. Since dental implants are positioned precisely how your natural teeth are positioned, it is integral that you have good gum health so that your gums can hold the dental implant well.
If you are dealing with gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, it is essential to treat these conditions first. Gum disease can infect your dental implants the same way it infects your natural tooth root. In turn, your gum disease can lead to a high risk of implant failure.
If you suffer from gum disease, you need to get treatment before your implant procedure can occur. It may take some time before your gum disease is under control enough to allow for dental implant surgery. However, having gum disease will not usually prevent you from getting dental implants.
Sufficient Bone Density
Along with healthy gums, you also need a healthy jawbone that is dense enough to hold your dental implant placement. Since implants are placed in your jaw bone only when you have a strong enough jawbone, it adequately holds the dental implant.
If you do not have sufficient bone to support your dental implant, you may require a bone graft procedure to ensure that the dental implants are successfully placed in your jawbone. A bone graft helps improve the structure of your jaw, which allows the dental implant to be placed appropriately.
Lifestyle Concerns
Like with other treatments in restorative dentistry, overall good oral health is necessary for the success of dental implants. If you are a smoker, your risk of dental implant failure may be much higher, which is why it is important to cut back on smoking before you get a dental implant. Similarly, if you are consuming too much alcohol, it can slow down the healing process and affect the success of your implant.
Are You a Candidate?
Would you like to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants? The only way to know whether you are a candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Embree at Everwell Dentistry. Connect with us today at (734) 973-0000 to schedule your appointment.
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