Missing teeth can cause a damper in your life. You might feel the need to hide away your smile or have trouble digging into your favorite foods. When it comes to replacing them, you likely will see that dental implants are the gold standard. You may be ready to get them, but not everyone is eligible for this treatment right away. Here are three qualities that can make you a good candidate.
1.) Healthy Lifestyle
In order for dental implants to be successful, your mouth needs to be a healthy foundation. Bacteria are one of the biggest threats to this tooth replacement option due to gum disease. This condition attacks the soft and bone tissue, which increases your risk of failure. Thankfully, following proper oral hygiene can avoid this.
Additionally, you should stop bad habits like tobacco use. If you smoke or chew it after placement surgery, then you can slow down your recovery or increase your risk of bone loss.
2.) Good Overall Health
While your oral health is a consideration, so are any systemic conditions that you may have. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease (to name a few) can affect how you heal afterward or cause other complications. Your dentist will want to be prepared for them and take steps to avoid these risks. Be sure to be open and honest with your provider.
3.) Dense Enough Jawbone
An important aspect of your dental implants is your jaw. Posts are placed directly into your jawbone, so it needs to be strong enough to support them. This is what gives this treatment the stability and reliability that they are known for. Not only that, but they can help prevent bone loss that’s often associated with missing teeth.
That being said, some people aren’t able to get implants right away because their jawbone is a bit weaker. This makes placing them risky, but they may still be an option through a treatment called a bone graft. It helps rebuild your jaw, allowing it to support this tooth replacement. Bone tissue is placed in the parts that need it most, and your body will take it and use it to strengthen your jaw. Once it’s healed, you’ll likely be all good to go!
In the end, the best way to know if you can get dental implants is through a consultation. Your dentist will perform an oral examination and take X-rays to see if they can spot anything that can cause complications. If you are a good candidate right away, then you’re all set to go! If not, then don’t worry, they will work with you to help you get the full smile you deserve.
About the Practice
At Dentistry in Buckhead, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Peter Pate and Dr. Henry Almquist. We are happy to help the community rebuild their smiles after experiencing tooth loss, whether that’s with dental implants or another treatment. Our team works with local specialists, ensuring you get the expert care every step of the way. If you want to learn if this tooth replacement is right for you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (404) 266-9424.