Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Missing teeth can take away from the look of your smile. They can also negatively impact your oral health. Are you considering dental implants to replace missing teeth? It is always a good idea to meet with dentists near Peoria for an initial consultation. Dental implants are recommended for many adults who are missing a tooth or teeth due to injury, tooth extraction, or periodontal disease. Continue reading to find out why you are a good candidate for dental implants if you have a healthy jawbone and gums, and are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Bone

A dentist may recommend dental implants for patients who have enough healthy jawbone to anchor the dental implants in the jaw. Unfortunately, some people who have lost teeth have also lost more bone over time, especially if tooth loss is caused by periodontal disease. If your bone is not wide or tall enough, dentistry has developed a bone augmentation procedure to build up the bone. Dentists are now able to use bone tissue or bone-like materials to support dental implants.

Healthy Gums

The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good overall oral health. Because dental implants are connected with the gum tissue, patients should have healthy gums that are free of periodontal disease. If you have mild to moderate gum disease, dentists can treat the problem before you undergo dental implant surgery. You may also need to schedule a visit with a periodontist.

Healthy Lifestyle

Dentists recommend dental implants for most adults who want to replace missing teeth. However, dentists do advise heavy smokers against choosing dental implants. Smoking hinders healing in the mouth and can reduce the likelihood of dental implants being successful. Additionally, patients who abuse drugs and alcohol are rarely good candidates for dental implants, as they have difficulty adhering to the required aftercare routine. Patients must visit the dentist for follow-up visits and practice good oral hygiene.