Dental implants may be the right solution for you, if:
With a high success rate in dental implants, it’s not surprising that most people turn to implants as the preferred method for restoring missing teeth. However, just because dental implants are highly successful doesn’t imply that they are the right option for everyone. Again, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to address your specific case. Dr. Snider works hard to give a healthy, beautiful smile to each of his patients, but dental implants may not be the optimal option for everyone. Candidacy for dental implants can vary from case to case but here are some of the common qualities ideal dental implant candidates have:
- Healthy Hygiene Routine: Being committed to an oral health hygiene routine is important because it will ensure that dental implants will stay secure once they are placed. Dental implants require no additional upkeep other than daily brushing, flossing and regular trips to the dentist, which you would normally follow for the health of your natural teeth. If you don’t keep up with your oral hygiene routine, your dental implants can potentially fall out because the development of a gum disease.
- Sufficient Jawbone and Gum Tissue: We mentioned before just how important osseointegration is for the stability of your dental implants. Having sufficient jawbone and gum tissue is one of the most important qualities for a dental implant candidate to have. The jawbone and gum tissue are important because it serves as an anchor for the dental implant to attach to. Failed osseointegration, which will result in implants becoming loose and falling out, is the main reason for failed dental implants. It’s important to look at both quantity and quality of bone density for optimal dental implant success. Dr. Snider will look at the shape of the bone, including the width and height, and the density of the bone through x-rays and CT scans.
- Commitment to Dental Implant Process: The osseointegration process is the most crucial aspect of dental implant success and unfortunately, it can sometimes take some time to occur. Patients need to understand the dental implant process because although it can take some extra time in comparison to other restoration options, it is also is a longer lasting solution. Think of the time spent with the dental implant process as an investment into your smile and oral health. Osseointegration can take up to several months, but it is also the sole reason dental implants are so much more stable than any other restoration option available.
- No Poor Habits: Certain habits can be detrimental to the success of your dental implants. The ideal dental implant candidate will avoid poor habits like teeth grinding and smoking. Teeth grinding can inhibit osseointegration because grinding your teeth puts extra pressure on the surgical area. Like natural teeth, your dental implants can eventually wear down, chip, crack or fall out after enough pressure from grinding. Smoking is also a habit that will severely increase the likelihood of dental implant failure. Smoking destroys tissue, causes dry mouth, and restricts the blood flow to the mouth, which is crucial during the healing period after the implant fixture is placed. For your own health and the success of your dental implants, we recommend quitting smoking before pursuing restoration.
- Good Overall Health: The success of dental implant will also be affected by your overall health. The ideal dental implant candidate will be free of chronic or systemic issues, which can include immune deficiencies, uncontrolled diabetes, and hemophilia.
