5 Qualities of a Good Dental Implant Candidate

Dental implants in Richardson are an effective restorative procedure that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. In fact, this tooth replacement solution grew by over 6% between 2019 and 2020 alone! Considering its unmatched ability to preserve your jawbone, 20+ year lifespan, and natural-looking appearance, it is not hard to see why. However, to maintain its impressive 95% success rate, dentists take extensive measures to qualify patients beforehand. Read on for five traits of a good dental implant candidate.

#1. An Adequate Amount of Bone

To provide patients with the durability they are known for, dental implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. However, if a potential patient does not have a sufficient amount of bone, moving forward with the procedure could result in implant failure. Therefore, your dentist may recommend undergoing a bone graft beforehand or opting for a different restorative procedure, like dentures.

#2. Healthy Gums

Daily, you probably rarely think of how important your gums are. Nevertheless, they play an instrumental role in keeping your teeth in line, acting as a shock absorber, and working as an anchoring system. However, if an infection has compromised its functionality, then the gums can pull away from the implant and produce bacteria that may attack the bone in the jaw. With this in mind, patients with gum disease may need to undergo treatment before moving forward with dental implants.

#3. Commitment to Good Oral Health

Compared to other restorative solutions, dental implants are relatively low-maintenance. After all, they bypass pesky food restrictions and special cleaning solutions that can interrupt your daily routine. With that being said, it is important that patients commit to a solid oral hygiene routine to prolong their lifespan and keep them in tip-top shape.

#4. Are Free from Chronic Disease

Unfortunately, patients with a chronic disease have a higher risk of implant failure. For example, patients with diabetes are prone to cavities and gum disease, and the condition can also interfere with the fusion of the implant and the jawbone. Plus, other chronic conditions can leave patients vulnerable to complications during surgery. Therefore, your dentist may recommend opting for a minimally invasive alternative.

#5. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol Excessively

Poor oral habits, like using tobacco products and drinking excessively, can lead to dental issues like bone loss, dry mouth, and the inability of the blood to clot. Also, the slow healing process makes dental implants susceptible to failure. With this in mind, your dentist will help you put a plan in place to quit these patterns so you can safely restore your smile.

If you are missing one, a few, or an entire arch of teeth and meet the above requirements, then it is time to talk to your dentist about restoring your smile with dental implants. After your initial consultation, you’ll be one step closer to a full smile, strong bite, and restored speech!

About the Author

In addition to completing his doctorate, Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi has obtained his Graduate Prosthodontic Specialty Certificate and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry from Rutgers University Dental School! Today, he uses his 20+ years of experience, the latest technology, and his expertise in prosthodontics to help patients achieve a full smile, strong bite, and pristine oral health. If you would like to speak with Dr. Mirsepasi about whether dental implants are right for you, visit his website or give him a call at 972-231-5744.