Before you start your dental implant treatment, you’ll meet with your dentist and implant team for a consultation. In a nutshell, this appointment is meant to help you prepare for your new smile. Your dentist will perform a thorough oral exam and ask you questions about your health history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this highly advanced restoration.
Don’t worry, though – even if you don’t meet one of these four qualities, your dentist can help you get there!
#1. A Strong Jawbone
Both dental implants and natural teeth are held in place by gum tissue and your jawbone. Since you can see your gums, it’s probably a little easier to understand how they support your teeth. Your jawbone, though, basically functions as an anchor. Natural dental roots are embedded in the bone, while dental implant posts gradually fuse with the bone over the course of three to six months. Thus, if your jawbone is too thin, you could experience serious dental implant complications.
One preliminary treatment that can help with this is a bone graft. Your dentist will take bone material from an external source and “add it” to your jawbone, increasing its mass. Once you’ve fully recovered from the grafting process, you’ll be able to support dental implants just fine!
#2. Good General Health
Certain medical conditions can make it more difficult (but not necessarily impossible!) to have a successful dental implant treatment. If you’re having a hard time managing diabetes, for example, frequent fluctuations in blood sugar put you at a greater risk for gum disease, which can harm the gum tissue and nearby bone implants use for support. It’s important that you work with your dentist and primary care provider to minimize any risks associated with medical conditions.
#3. Good Oral Health
As touched on above, gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can cause dental implants to come loose or fall out. Other problems like cavities and oral infections can have similar effects. Fortunately, your dentist will likely be able to help you restore your oral health so you can safely (and comfortably) receive dental implants.
#4. A Commitment to Dental Hygiene
Do you know what one of the leading causes of cavities and gum disease is? Poor dental hygiene! Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once per day is important for any smile, including one that has a dental implant or two. To ensure the continued success of your restoration, you’ll have to have a dedicated commitment to dental hygiene.
Dentists love seeing these four qualities in a dental implant candidate, but if you don’t have all of them right away, they’re happy to help you with personalized treatment planning. By working together, you and your dentist can promote a successful dental implant placement and a smooth recovery!
About the Practice
Our team of dental experts at Belmont Family Dentistry have decades of collective experience and are well-known for their top-notch skills. We firmly believe that a well-personalized treatment plan paves the way for dental implant success. During your consultation, you can expect our team to listen attentively to your needs and preferences so we can provide the world-class dental care you deserve! To contact our office for an appointment, call 503-234-1218.