You’re without one or more teeth, and you know replacement is necessary to prevent further tooth loss and changes to your facial shape. With different options to choose from, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants, you may lean more toward those that offer permanence as opposed to ones that require relines and new prosthetics every few years. But are you a good candidate for treatment? How can you know for sure? Read on to discover the qualities your oral surgeon will look for when evaluating your smile during a consultation.
Dental Implant Candidates: Which Qualities Does a Dentist Look For?
Advancements in dentistry now make it possible for nearly anyone experiencing tooth loss to receive superior treatment with dental implants. The real question is whether you can receive them right away or if you must wait.
A scheduled consultation is required to receive these prosthetics – a time when your oral surgeon will carefully evaluate and analyze the state of your oral and overall health as well as the density of your jawbone.
Here’s a deeper explanation of each:
- Your oral health – If your existing teeth or gums show signs of infection, swelling, decay, or damage, you will first need to undergo additional dental treatment to address these issues before receiving implant surgery. Failing to treat gum disease, cavities, or a more serious infection can negatively affect the placement of your posts.
- Your overall health – Dental implant surgery is a minor procedure, but it still requires you to be healthy enough to undergo this invasive treatment. Your oral surgeon will need to know of any health-related conditions you have as well as which medications you are taking. This will make it easier to determine if dental implants will be successful once they are put in place.
- Your jawbone density – To receive dental implants, you must have enough jawbone density to support not just your posts but also the customized restoration that is attached on top. Without ample bone, the implants will not fuse properly, causing them to fail.
Why is Personal Commitment Important?
One component that many people forget to mention is your commitment to your dental implants. As a significant investment, these artificial teeth need to be properly cared for long-term if they’re to last. You don’t want your hard-earned money going down the drain, and neither do your oral surgeons, so don’t be surprised if they ask about your commitment to treatment.
Staying on top of your oral hygiene and making sure you’re mindful of your overall health and how you safeguard your pearly whites will give them a better idea of whether this type of treatment is a worthwhile investment or not.
What is clear is that the only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for dental implants is to schedule a consultation with your local oral surgeon. Their expertise will help you decide how to proceed confidently.
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery consists of four esteemed board-certified oral surgeons in Reston. Treating individuals who desire a permanent yet unique set of teeth, they offer dental implants because of their superiority when it comes to durability, longevity, functionality, and natural-looking appearance. Far above the benefits provided by dental bridges and dentures, these prosthetics offer a more reliable way to replace teeth and reach long-term goals. To learn more, contact us via our website.