Are you fed up with your missing teeth? You might not like how self-conscious they make you, but there are ways you can restore them. As you look into your options, dental implants shine as the gold standard. They are reliable and long-lasting, but you’ll need to be a good candidate to get them. Here are three qualities that can improve your eligibility for this service.
Your Oral Health is Free from Problems
Since dental implants are placed in your mouth, you will need to make sure you don’t have any dental problems. Cavities, gum disease, and the like can increase your risk of failure. This is particularly true for an infection in the soft tissues, as it can weaken the supportive structures that hold your tooth replacement stable.
Your results may then become wobbly or uncomfortable. Thankfully, just stick with brushing, flossing, and routine checkups, and you can start building a good foundation.
Your Overall Health is Well
Aside from your mouth, your overall health will also be taken into account. Chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, can spell trouble for your recovery after getting dental implants placed. You may heal more slowly, so any issues like them must be managed to avoid complications.
Whether you’re a smoker will also be brought up. Tobacco can lead to gum disease and affect your immune system. This habit also weakens your jawbone over time, which will make your results unstable. It’s often best to quit entirely, but temporarily stopping may be a possibility; just talk to your dentist about what they recommend.
Your Jawbone Is Dense Enough
One of the most important things for dental implants is having enough jawbone density. Your jaw will need to support the post placed into it and grow around it to fuse. This gives you up to 90% of your original bite back, so your dentist will ensure this process goes without a hitch. If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, then the bone may be weakened, but you may be able to get a bone graft to reinforce the area.
In the end, the only way to know if you’re a good candidate is by talking to your dentist. They will perform an examination and let you know the next steps needed to get a full smile once again.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Sokolik earned his dental degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. He is here to help the Keokuk community restore their missing teeth with reliable options like dental implants. Dr. Sokolik has advanced training in oral surgery and prosthodontics, meaning you’ll get high-quality care every step of the way. If you want to see if you’re eligible for this service, schedule an appointment or call his office at 319-524-1477.