Did you know that roughly 278 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? On top of that, around 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. These are surprisingly large numbers! Fortunately, there’s a solution to missing teeth: dental implants! Dental implants will not only restore your smile, but they’ll give you the functionality and comfy of natural teeth! Sadly, not everyone may be a good candidate for this procedure. So who is a good candidate for dental implants? Below we’ll cover the factors required to be one:
1. Healthy Gums
Having healthy gums is crucial for being a good candidate for dental implants. Patients with gum infections such as gingivitis or periodontal disease are not likely good candidates. Gum disease weakens and dissolves the tissue and bone—vital factors needed for keeping dental implants in place.
2. Sufficient Bone Density
A sufficient amount of bone density is needed for the implant to be properly supported and protected. Having a strong jaw is essential for anchoring the implants. However, people who suffer from bone loss in their jawbone will not be good candidates. The good news is that getting dental implants is still possible with several other procedures that can help rebuild your bone. You would have to speak with your dentist to get more insights on your options.
3. Good Oral Health & Hygiene
Another element that makes a good dental implant candidate is having generally good oral health and hygiene. Infections and other dental problems could interfere with the surgical procedure. Having good oral health simply requires routine brushing and flossing. If you’re not in the state you should be, you could always work on improving your oral health and hygiene to then later get dental implants down the road.
4. No Tobacco Use
People who frequently use tobacco products are not good candidates for this procedure. Smoking and tobacco use prevent healing in the mouth and decrease the chances of a successful implant. We highly recommend quitting tobacco to improve your oral health!
5. Minimal Teeth Grinding
Individuals who struggle with teeth grinding and clenching risk the chance of putting too much pressure on their implants. This could cause your dental implant to become fractured or loose. Fortunately, this problem can be solved by simply wearing a custom-fitted nightguard.
Overall, dental implants have a very high success rate. As long as you have generally good oral health and sufficient bone density, you’re good to go! But don’t fret if you don’t meet the conditions now. If possible, we could help you meet the requirements by changing your health habits. Contact us today to see if you’re a possible candidate for dental implants. At Dental Arts San Diego, we believe that everyone deserves to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you’re looking for preventive or restorative treatments, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care. Give us a call at (619) 444-1001, or click here to schedule an appointment. We are located at 707 Arnele Avenue, El Cajon, CA, 92020.
