Dental Implants: Are You An Ideal Candidate?
by Christy Long
Dental implants are a viable solution for those with one or more missing adult teeth. By drilling a metal post into one's jaw bone and capping the post with a prosthetic tooth, dentists can restore the appearance of a patient's smile with a dental implant. However, before a patient can receive a dental implant, it must be confirmed that he or she is a viable candidate, Otherwise, the risk of dental implant failure is very real.
Non-Smokers Preferred
Generally, in order to be considered a strong candidate for dental implants, you should be a non-smoker. There are many reasons as to why this is important. For starters, those who smoke are more prone to periodontal disease, a condition that deteriorates the jaw bone (the supporting structure that's needed for a dental implant post). Furthermore, even smokers without periodontal disease could be at higher risk of developing an infection around the dental implant after the procedure. So while smokers aren't disqualified from receiving dental implants 100% of the time, it is a serious concern that your dentist will address with you.
Strong Jaw Bone Required
One of the most important qualifications for receiving a dental implant is that of having a strong jaw bone with minimal or no bone loss. Therefore, those with moderate to advanced periodontal disease are often unable to receive dental implants and may want to consider a dental bridge instead. A strong jaw bone is a huge requirement because the dental post that's drilled into the jaw needs plenty of bone support to stay in place permanently. Those with early-stage periodontal disease may still be considered a candidate for dental implants, but a thorough examination and X-rays will need to be done to know for sure.
What About Prescriptions?
Finally, make sure you disclose any and all medications that you're taking to your dentist. He or she will need to know if you're taking any prescription medications that could interfere with your bone growth. If so, you may need to speak with your doctor about the possibility of changing your medication. Otherwise, you will likely not be a viable candidate for a dental implant. The most common types of medications that inhibit bone growth are those taken to treat arthritis.
By being aware of the general requirements for dental implants ahead of time, you can get a better idea of whether or not you'll be a viable candidate before you even step foot in your dentist's office.
For more information, contact Merrimack Valley Periodontics or a similar location.
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About Me
I was very unhappy with the way that my front teeth looked. They were crooked and stained with an ugly yellow tint. I asked my dentist if there was anything that could be done to improve them. After discussing the options with my dentist, I decided to have crowns put on my front teeth. The procedure was painless and I wish that I had done it sooner. My name is Constance Graham and I am writing this blog to inform others about cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, speak to your dentist about improving your smile. There are various cosmetic procedures that you can have done such as veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and dental implants. I hope you use the information in this blog to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you.