Categories: Dental Implants

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the options that you get to explore if you are looking to replace missing teeth. These are metal rods or screws placed in the jaw to replace teeth roots, and implants are fitted with restorations like bridges, dentures, and crowns to replace teeth.

The ideal candidate for dental implants is healthy enough to recover from minor oral surgery. Their jawbone should also be thick enough to hold implants in place.

Determining your eligibility for dental implants

Many patients are thinking about getting dental implants. Let us take a look at a few of the things that a dentist goes over when evaluating a patient’s eligibility.

1. Missing teeth

Implants are used to replace missing teeth, so the ideal candidate for implants has one or more missing teeth. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth or combined with restorations like dentures to replace an entire dental arch. For patients who need to save on costs, dentists often recommend combining implants with restorations used to replace multiple teeth.

2. Being over 18

Implants are usually not recommended for children or teenagers who have lost one or more of their teeth. Their jawbones are still developing at this point, so they are better off exploring other options like dentures and bridges. The jawbone typically stops growing around the age of 20. Adults can get implants at any point in life, though, and dentists often recommend them for missing teeth because they preserve bone tissues in the jaw.

3. Decent overall and dental health

The ideal candidate for dental implants has decent health. They are healthy enough to recover from surgical procedures and are free of chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, that can hinder the recovery process.

Having a health issue like diabetes does not automatically disqualify a patient from getting implants, however. They simply need to be evaluated individually to determine if it is safe to proceed with this process.

Patients are also screened for dental issues that can increase the risk of complications, like gum disease. Such issues are typically treated before proceeding with the installation of implants.

4. No dependency on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco

Drinking or using tobacco products regularly slows down the healing process, which increases the risk of complications developing after implants have been placed. Dentists typically talk to their patients about such habits during the evaluation period. Patients need to be willing to give up these habits during the recovery period to reduce their risk of complications.

5. Adequate jawbone thickness

To qualify for implants, patients need to have enough bone tissues in their jaw to hold implants in place. Not having the needed bone density is not an automatic dealbreaker, though, because bone grafts can be used to thicken a patient's jawbone.

However, bone grafts do increase the length of the process. The patient needs to be healed from the graft before being cleared for implants, which can take up to three months.

Explore dental implants

Do you need to replace one or more missing teeth? Call or visit our Carmichael clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist to explore treatment options.

Request an appointment here: https://ismiledentalspa.com or call iSmile Dental Spa at (916) 241-4191 for an appointment in our Carmichael office.

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

Recent Posts

How To Know If You're A Candidate For Dental Implants

Dental implants are the best way to fill in the gaps from missing teeth. Missing teeth cause a number of oral health issues, including making it harder to chew and altering the structure of the other teeth. However, dental implants are not suitable for all patients. You must have healthy teeth and gums, good oral…

Clear Braces Vs. Traditional Braces

Clear braces and traditional braces are the options patients get to explore when they are dealing with teeth alignment issues. Metal braces are the oldest option available and they have been proven to be effective for over a century. The main problem with metal braces is poor aesthetics. The patient is left stuck with a…

Family Dentist Vs. General Dentist: Is There A Difference?

Both general dentists and family dentists are responsible for the oral health care of patients of all ages. They provide a wide range of services, ranging from preventive measures to light cosmetic ones. Wondering whether it is best to see a general dentist or a family dentist? For the most part, they are quite similar! Keep…

4 Smile Makeover Options From A General Dentist

Is it time for a smile makeover? If you look in the mirror and do not like your teeth, there are things you can do to change it. Your general dentist can offer various treatments and procedures to revive your smile and give you the appearance you have always wanted. Your dentist can discuss your…

iSmile Dental Spa

Share
Published by
iSmile Dental Spa

Recent Posts

Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Want to learn more about clear braces or other teeth straightening options? Working with a…

3 weeks ago

Family Dentist vs. General Dentist: Is There a Difference?

Both general dentists and family dentists are responsible for the oral health care of patients…

2 months ago

4 Smile Makeover Options From a General Dentist

Is it time for a smile makeover? If you look in the mirror and do…

3 months ago

How to Know If You’re a Candidate for Dental Implants

The process of getting dental implants requires you to have healthy teeth and gums.

4 months ago

Treat a Dental Emergency as Soon as Possible

Call us now if you are in need of dental emergency treatment.

5 months ago

What Does a Family Dentist Do?

When it comes to helping your child take care of their dental needs, a family…

6 months ago