A Look At The Characteristics Of Patients Who Make Good Dental Implant Candidates

Dental implants are highly preferred over other restorative dentistry alternatives. What makes them ideal is the fact that they last longer and are nearly 98% identical to natural teeth in terms of not only appearance but also feel and functions. Unfortunately, not all patients make good candidates for the dental implant procedures.

Competent cosmetic dentists will run some tests before getting you scheduled for implant installation. There are certain crucial aspects that must be considered to ensure that the process will be a complete success. One of the first things that will be done is that your dental health will be evaluated. Patients with gum disease do not make good candidates and they may require treatment before they can get scheduled for a procedure.

Implants are more exposed to causing gum inflammation. In case there is plaque buildup, this may cause infections and cause your gum to detach from the implant. The same happens if a patient suffers from gum disease. The gaps created between the gum and the prosthetic tooth creates pockets where bacteria can hide and further attack the jawbone.

For you to make a good candidate for dental implants, you will also need to have sufficient bone to provide the prosthetic tooth with adequate support. Keep in mind that the missing tooth is replaced from the root and this means that you need adequate jawbone for the titanium screw to be installed. In case your jawbone is insufficient, then the screw will not firmly and permanently stay in place. The other way around this is to get scheduled for supplementary bone grafting. The grafts will encourage bone growth and ultimately, implant placement will be possible.

Also Read This: Natural Supplements That Can Help Your Oral Health

Unfortunately, there are certain chronic diseases that would make implant installation impossible. Diabetes for instance contributes to gum disease and cavities because of the high levels of glucose in saliva. The disease also delays the process of the titanium screw fusing with the jawbone. Other chronic conditions that may affect the success of a procedure include sleep apnea and heart disease.

Patients who smoke and consume alcohol in excessive amounts may again, not be considered for a procedure. This is because such habits interfere with the healing process. Excessive consumption of alcohol causes dry mouth and could also slow down the process of blood clotting. Alcohol consumption also contributes to bone loss and the installed implants may not stay in place.

Smoking, on the other hand increases the chances of a patient suffering from gum disease. The habit also slows down the healing process and even if you proceed to get the surgery, the tobacco products you consume would hinder the soft tissue around an implant from regenerating. Generally, this would result in complete failure of the procedure. If you want to go around this, then you must quit smoking and excessive drinking.

It remains crucial for those considering the installation of implants to be committed to proper dental health. The fake teeth, just like their natural counterparts need to be brushed and flossed twice every day. It will also be essential for you to schedule for checkups twice every year.