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Learn Here If You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most beneficial innovations in the dental industry. As a solution for missing teeth, dental implants are both permanent and attractive. Compared to other options for replacing missing teeth, such as bridges or dentures, dental implants look and feel as close as possible to natural teeth.

A dental implant involves placing a small titanium screw in your jaw, then attaching it to a ceramic tooth. Your body will integrate the titanium screw and fuse it to your jaw, giving it a stable, permanent place in your mouth. 

The dental professionals at Dental Art of South Bay in Torrance, California, offer this guide to help you determine if you might be a good candidate for dental implants.

Qualifying for dental implants

Most people are good candidates for dental implants. However, they’re not right for everyone. You may be a candidate if you fit the following profile:

You’re in generally good health

A successful dental implant procedure requires that you have healthy gum tissue and are in generally good health. Because your body has to integrate the screw into your jawbone, you need to be in optimal health for the healing process to take place. Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, connective tissue diseases, or hemophilia, may not make you a good candidate for dental implants.

You have enough jawbone mass

The success of a dental implant lies in how well the implant fuses to the bone tissue in your jaw. If you have an adequate bone structure, you should be a good candidate. However, if you have any type of bone loss, this may present complications. Sometimes, we can work with moderate degrees of bone loss, but the procedure can require extra steps.

Similarly, this procedure isn’t recommended for people under age 18, whose bones have not fully developed.

You have good dental hygiene

If you regularly hear us tell you that you have good dental hygiene, you’ll likely be a good candidate for dental implants. You need to be committed to good hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, to keep your mouth healthy. While the success rate of dental implants is around 95%, keeping your mouth healthy will reduce the risk of infection.

You’re a nonsmoker

Smoking is bad for your health in every way, including your dental health. Smoking can interfere with your body’s ability to heal from procedures, such as dental implant surgery. 

If you smoke and want to get dental implants, you should quit smoking. Other substance abuse issues, such as heavy alcohol use or the use of recreational drugs, can also interfere with the healing process.

You’re not pregnant

Having dental implants already in your mouth while you’re pregnant isn’t a problem. However, getting an implant placed while you’re pregnant isn’t optimal. If you’re pregnant and need a dental implant, you should wait until after you give birth to get your implant. 

You aren’t a severe teeth-grinder

Many people grind their teeth, especially while sleeping. While some degree of teeth-grinding can still be acceptable with dental implants, it generally isn’t suited to people with severe teeth-grinding habits. Grinding your teeth places more pressure on them, which can make the healing process more difficult. It could even increase your chances of cracking your implant.

Other issues may also present challenges with getting dental implants, such as taking certain medications. The best way to know if you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dental Art of South Bay. To learn more, book an appointment over the phone today.

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