Dental implants are an impact addition to any smile that needs a boost. They restore bite force, prevent bone loss, are easy to care for, and match your natural teeth, just to name a few benefits.
There’s no denying they are a great option for tooth replacement. But are they a good match for your smile specifically? Keep reading to learn some important qualifications that you need to meet to be a viable dental implant candidate from your dentist in St. Augustine.
Healthy Gums
Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jawbone and the osseointegration – fusion of implants to the bone – that occurs gives them unmatched stability as a tooth replacement option. Your gums help keep them firmly anchored. However, if your gums are compromised in any way, they won’t effectively hold the titanium post in place. Therefore, patients with gum disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy before becoming eligible for implants. Otherwise, bacteria can attack the bone supporting the implant, causing it to fail.
Sufficient Bone Density
Adequate jawbone density is required for a patient to have a successful implant procedure, which makes sense considering they are anchored into the jaw. Osseointegration is a key part of the process since it ensures your implants stay in place permanently to provide unmatched stability and a strong bite force. However, if you don’t have an adequate amount of bone, your implants can become loose or fail. Fortunately, you can undergo a bone graft to create more area for implant placement, thus improving your candidacy.
Overall Health Condition Is Good
The rate of dental implant failure rises with patients who have a chronic disease. For example, a patient with diabetes has a higher rate of implant failure because their condition interferes with osseointegration and slows the healing process. Heart disease and sleep apnea can impede anesthesia, which could create complications during surgery. Therefore, a dental implant candidate should ideally be free from chronic diseases.
No Smoking and Limited Alcohol Consumption
Using tobacco or alcohol lessens your body’s ability to properly heal. Frequent alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth, inhibit blood clotting, and even lead to bone loss. Smoking increases your chances of developing gum disease and can also contribute to bone loss, potentially resulting in implant failure.
Oral Hygiene Is Essential
The best way to ensure that dental implants will be a success and the surrounding gums will be healthy is to maintain a consistent oral hygiene regimen. The implants are relatively low maintenance once they are fused to your jawbone, but proper dental care is necessary to prevent complications. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash, and regularly visiting your dentist will help you enjoy your new smile for years to come!
If you meet all these qualifications or know you can make some adjustments in your life to get there, then dental implants can become a reality for you. To learn more about this tremendous tooth replacement option, contact your implant dentist in St. Augustine.
About the Practice
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, our caring staff strives to ensure you have a pleasant experience. We offer an array of services and are proud to be a dental practice that is locally owned and operated instead of dictated by a corporation. That ensures you get the one-on-one care you deserve, and your dental needs will be taken seriously. If you are interested in dental implants, we can take care of this long-lasting treatment from start to finish and it will enable you to utilize attractive crowns, bridges, or dentures. Whether you are missing one tooth or need to replace all of them, schedule a consultation to discuss your options by visiting our website or calling (904) 824-3540.