Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

You’re smile says a lot about you and you don’t want to stop grinning. If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may not want to smile. Even talking can be embarrassing but there’s hope. A dental implant specialist can have you grinning from ear to ear. 

But how do you know if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? More importantly, are there any risks? While you want to smile without feeling embarrassed, you also don’t want to put your health at risk.

What Are Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth or teeth a dental surgeon attaches to your jawbone, and the process typically involves inserting a screwlike device into the jawbone. The artificial tooth, also known as a crown, is attached to the screw.

The crown is customized to fit your unique jawbone shape and match the color of your natural teeth. Since the artificial tooth blends in with your remaining natural teeth, no one needs to know you have dental implants.

If you’re wondering why not just wear dentures? This is an option, but dental implants have a few advantages compared to dentures:

• Improve comfort and look natural
• Chewing abilities are often improved compared to dentures
• Reduces the risk of developing cavities in your remaining teeth
• Your jawbone is better maintained
• Sensitivity in remaining teeth is often reduced

Best of all, you don’t need to take out your dental implants every night for cleaning. You also don’t need to worry about implants slipping or falling out while talking or chewing. Even though dental implants have distinct advantages, they’re not also the best option for everyone.

Determining if You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

The American Academy Of Implant Dentistry estimates about 3 million U.S. residents have dental implants and the number is continuing to increase annually. The procedure is popular for the above-mentioned reasons. Most importantly, dental implant patients have the confidence to smile again.

Even though the procedure is safe and performed daily by skilled dental surgeons, not everyone with missing teeth is a good candidate for dental implants. What may make you a less than ideal candidate? Here are a few examples of why the procedure may not be right for you:

• You have an acute illness or metabolic disorder
• Any type of infection can make the procedure potentially unsafe
• You are suffering from a soft tissue or bone disease
• If any of the following applies, you may not want to undergo dental implant surgery.
• You’re a heavy smoker. This even includes the usage of vaping devices
• Tooth grinding or clenching is an issue, especially when you’re sleeping
• You have a psychiatric or behavioral disorder, even if you’re under successful treatment

If you are HIV positive, have diabetes, AIDS, or osteoporosis, you’re automatically at a higher risk of the implant failing. Your dental surgeon may also put off the procedure if you’re undergoing chemo or radiation therapy.

What Does It Mean If a Dental Implant Fails

Even though dental implant surgery is relatively straightforward, complications can still pop up. The surgery can even go off without a hitch but the implant can still fail. What does it mean if an implant fails? The answer can vary but typically includes:

• If the implant moves around after being attached to the screw
• You feel a sharp pain when the implant is touched, even by soft foods
• Pus and other secretions are present at the implant site

You can also experience rapid and steady bone loss in your jaw. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, you want to immediately contact your dentist or implant surgeon. Not only can this suggest that the implant is failing, but it can also cause various other health problems.

The procedure can also result in complications, but this is rare. Remember, your dental surgeon is experienced at performing dental implant surgery and your risk of developing complications is slim. With that being said, some issues that can develop include:

• The area around the implant becomes infected
• The implant is exposed above the gum line. Not only can this be painful but it can also lead to an infection
• The incision opens after the surgery is completed

As noted earlier, these complications aren’t common but are something you should think about before scheduling dental implant surgery.

You Can Get Your Smile Back

Dental implant surgery might not be suitable for everyone, but for some, it's the perfect solution. To find out more about the procedure and determine if you're a good candidate, it's best to consult with your dentist. They can provide detailed information and guide you through the decision-making process based on your specific dental needs.