Categories: Dental Implants

Ask a Dentist: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are missing at least one or more teeth, you may qualify as a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. Having missing teeth can harm your oral health, and untreated tooth loss can interrupt your chewing ability and even affect the structure of your mouth. If you are unsure if you are a suitable candidate, let's look at the requirements.

5 things to look for in a good implant candidate

As a general rule, some characteristics make a person a good candidate for dental implants. Here are some of those factors: 

  • Good oral health. Gums and teeth should be in good oral health
  • Good bone density. You should have a strong bone density to support the dental implants
  • Good oral hygiene. You should have a good regimen of good oral hygiene
  • Nonsmoker or quitting smoking
  • Having patience to trust the process. The process from start to finish can take up to 12 months to be fully healed

Why do you have missing teeth?

Your dentist or oral surgeon will want to learn more about why your teeth are missing. If your gums show signs of gum disease, this may disqualify you for implant placement until it is healed. If you do not have good oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least two times daily, this may disqualify you.

Jaw and bone health is important

Having good bone density and support is important for being a good candidate for dental implants. Having a good bone structure can help to support the implant once it is placed. If the implant is not supported or reinforced by a strong bone structure, it can become loose over time just from chewing.

Multiple implant placements

When you must have multiple implants placed, your dentist may discuss further options with you should as implanted supported bridges. These bridges can help support and preserve the bone in your mouth because they will replace the natural tooth roots. They fuse with the jawbone, which can help to keep your jaw's natural bone structure intact and healthy.

When you have several teeth missing, you do not have to get individual implants placed. This is where the dental bridge comes in handy. IT helps to fill in the tooth gaps by using a bridge across the implants. This can help to improve chewing and your smile with fewer implants. It's cost-effective and secure.

Basics of a dental implant

Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into your jawbone to help replace a missing tooth root. It's not a complicated process. It will require many months to heal after the procedure and begin to bond with the bone in your jaw. After it is healed, a smaller metal post called an abutment would be connected to the implant. This will allow the implant to help hold any replacement teeth securely.

Now that you understand the basics of dental implants and what qualifies you as a good candidate for them, it may be time to consider this option for replacement teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.trivalleyimplants.com or call Gregory K. Louie DDS, PC at (925) 659-1142 for an appointment in our Danville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Danville, CA.

Recent Posts

What Happens After Dental Implants Are Placed?

There is a lot to think about when it comes to dental implants. This tooth-replacement treatment is an effective way to revitalize your smile and restore the ability to chew. The process can take several months, and the recovery can be lengthy. As you learn more about this procedure, you can make the right decision…

Can Dental Implants Support A Dental Bridge?

Looking for information on dental implants? If you have suffered significant tooth loss, but not enough to need a complete arch replacement, you can get a dental bridge supported by dental implants. Implant-supported bridges can provide a reliable, functional, and long-term solution to tooth loss. Unlike traditional bridges or removable partial dentures, a dental implant-supported…

How Long Do Dental Implants Last

Many dentists refer to dental implants as the “permanent tooth replacement option,” and while this descriptor is not necessarily inaccurate, it is not completely true, either. The longevity of a dental implant depends on several factors, including a patient’s oral health, lifestyle habits, dental hygiene practices, and diet, to name a few. Patients who are…

Bridges Vs. Dental Implants: Which Is Better

When someone is missing teeth, a couple of replacement options include bridges and dental implants. These are common ways to fill in the gaps, but there are differences between the two. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand them before making a decision.A bridge is anchored by the teeth on…

Gregory K. Louie DDS, PC

Share
Published by
Gregory K. Louie DDS, PC

Recent Posts

Visit a Prosthodontist for Tooth Replacement

Prosthodontists have the knowledge and training to recommend a procedure that makes sense for your…

3 weeks ago

Why Choose Implant Supported Dentures?

Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete…

2 months ago

When Bone Grafting is Needed for Dental Implants

Let's take a closer look at bone grafting and when you may need them for…

3 months ago

What Happens After Dental Implants Are Placed?

There is a lot to think about when it comes to dental implants. This tooth-replacement…

4 months ago

What Gum Disease Looks Like

The most effective way to battle gum disease is to brush and floss daily. These…

5 months ago

What Makes Dentures Vulnerable to Breaking

Dentures are a set of artificial teeth that can replace some or all your teeth.…

6 months ago