Good Candidates for Dental Implants (Implant Dentistry)

Dental implants are a type of cosmetic dentistry procedure whereby a fake tooth made of titanium and bone is fused with the jaw bone, allowing it to look, feel and act just as a real tooth would. The procedure is designed to fix smiles where a tooth has been lost due to either decay or an accident. It is the best available procedure for replacing a missing tooth with something that looks and feels permanent enough to stay in the jaw.

To be a good candidate for dental implants / implant dentistry, you must adhere to all of the following:

Good Oral Health – Those with degraded teeth and gums, or those that do not take care of their mouths are not good candidates for dental implants. Dental implants are permanent solutions to a missing tooth, but they are only effective if you are able to take care of your mouth and gums. Your jaw bone must also be strong enough to withstand the procedure.

Good Overall Health – Smokers, diabetics, and those with other immune system problems may not be good candidates for dental implants, as it may interfere with the healing process. It is important that you maintain good health in order to get an implant.

Over the Development Age – Children whose jaws are still developing are not good candidates for dental implants, as the developing jaw can cause the tooth to appear misshaped or become painful. Your jaw needs to be both fully developed and have the bone density to withstand the surgery.

Overall, good candidates for dental implants are going to be those with health jaws, mouths, and bodies, and those whose jaw bone development has ceased. Dental implants require a thorough dentist visit, so you will learn from your dentist whether or not you are a good candidate for this type of surgery.