Though tooth loss affects approximately 178 million Americans, the good news is that there are multiple ways to fill in the gaps in your smile, such as dental implants. Though they are a preferred tooth replacement option by many dentists due to their numerous benefits, dental implants aren’t for everyone. To help you determine if they are right for you, here are five qualities a good dental implant candidate should have.
#1: Healthy Gums
Plaque buildup along the gumline can lead to an infection that will ultimately create pockets for harmful bacteria to collect in. If you don’t receive treatment, the bacteria will attack the bone that supports your natural teeth and dental implants which can cause them to fail.
#2: Exceptional Oral Hygiene
If you don’t take care of your smile now, who’s to say you will with dental implants? Like natural teeth, they need to be brushed twice per day and flossed at least once. You should also consider rinsing with mouthwash to get rid of harmful bacteria that’s difficult to reach with brushing and flossing.
#3: A Healthy Jawbone
Implants are inserted directly into the jawbone and fuse with it through osseointegration. So, having a healthy jawbone is a key part of being a good candidate for implants. When teeth are missing, this means the jawbone isn’t being stimulated properly and can lead to bone loss. If it shrinks enough, a bone graft may be required to adequately support dental implants.
#4: Good Lifestyle Choices
Heavy smoking or drinking will need to be avoided if you plan on getting dental implants. Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease as nonsmokers, and smoking before surgery can contribute to bone loss, which makes it more difficult for the implants to be placed. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking also slow down the healing process. Additionally, drinking can cause dry mouth and inhibit the clotting of blood.
#5: Great Overall Health
Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea can put patients who are getting dental implant surgery at higher risk for complications. Those with diabetes may be more likely to experience implant failure since diabetes makes the body more prone to infections and less effective at fighting them. Diabetes can also interfere with osseointegration. Sleep apnea and heart disease both interfere with how effective anesthesia is during your procedure, so make sure to inform your dentist of any chronic conditions you have before getting dental implants.
To find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants, make an appointment to see your Little Rock dentist and discuss the above factors. This way, you can make the right decision for your overall health and work towards getting a smile you’ll want to brag about!
About the Practice
Are you a Little Rock resident missing one or more teeth? Little Rock Family Dental Care is here to help you discover which replacement option is best for you. They offer a range of tooth loss solutions and restorative services so you can bring back your smile’s former glory. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call their Midtown office at (501) 663-3407, their West office at (501) 954-9900, or their Southwest office at (501) 565-1574.