Dental Implants: Are You A Candidate?

Dental implants have revolutionized the way missing teeth are replaced. They offer a permanent solution to those that have lost a single tooth or multiple teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or other reason. A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a dental implant restoration (such as a crown or bridge) securely in place. Dental implants, however, are not for everyone. It is a procedure that is completed in stages, over a period of several months and requires good general and oral health. Because the success of the dental implant is contingent upon proper healing and fusion of the surgical titanium post to the jawbone, you need to be carefully evaluated for candidacy of this procedure first.

Not every patient with missing or damaged teeth qualifies as a good candidate for dental implants. Ideal candidates for this advanced dental procedure should have:

• Adequate jawbone density
• Healthy gum tissues, free of periodontal disease
• Good overall health

In addition, you should always tell your implant dentistry professional of any pre-existing medical conditions that interfere with the success of dental implants. For example, patients who are pregnant, still developing jawbone density, or have certain medical conditions, or are currently taking medications that suppress the immune system may not be good candidates for dental implants.

If bone loss in your jaw is inhibiting you from going forward with dental implants, it may be helpful to ask about bone grafting. Bone-grafting procedures can rebuild your jawbone to adequate density so that you become eligible for dental implants.

Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD is a highly skilled and experienced dentist who can help determine whether or not you qualify for implant dentistry. He not only places dental implants, but Dr. Suway can also provide the final stages of dental implant restorations as well. Should you not qualify for dental implants, there are many other tooth replacement options available that can help you regain an attractive, functional smile again.