Although implant surgery is a popular treatment for those looking to restore their teeth, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants.A dental implant is a titanium post that acts in a similar way to the root of your tooth. You local dental implant expert will surgically position the post deep into the jaw bone below the gum line. The dental implant then acts as a structure on which your dentist can place your new tooth or bridge.

Unlike dentures, dental implants are securely fastened and will not come loose. There are a few characteristics that are essential for you to be eligible for this type of treatment. In short, the two most important things are for you to have healthy gums and for you to have strong enough bone in your jaw to give support to the implant.

 In some cases where your bone is too thin or soft you may be able to have a bone graft. This would enable the bone in your jaw to have enough strength to hold the implant securely.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are in need of replacing a missing tooth or teeth then dental implants are possibly the best treatment option for you. Dental implants are so strongly fixed to your jaw that they feel and work exactly like real teeth. Not only that but they look like real teeth too. This is why so many go for the treatment over other tooth replacement treatments such as dentures.

Most people are a good candidate for dental implants. In order to fall into this category you should possess the following characteristics:

1. Healthy gums

You need healthy gums to be able to sit around the implant providing strength and support. However, if your gums are not healthy it is not a lost cause. It is generally your teeth that give you gum disease. If you are looking to have all of your teeth replaced by dental implants (full dental implants) then firstly all of your remaining teeth will be removed. This in itself solves the issue of gum disease. Once your real teeth have all been extracted, your gums will start to become healthy again.

At that point, you will be over this hurdle in being a good candidate for dental implants. If you are not in need for full dental implants then the situation is a little trickier. You will need to follow steps such as these to solve your gum diseases or periodontitis issue before entering dental implant treatment.

2. Sufficient bone size and structure

The dental implant will be embedded into the jaw bone. If there is too little jaw bone or if the structure of the bone has become too soft then there will not be sufficient support for the implant. If after your dental examination it is apparent that your bone isn’t in good enough shape for the implants then there are some special procedures you can opt for to rebuild your bone to a point that it will take the implant.

3. Commitment

Once fitted, you need to be confident that you will take care of your dental implants. This involves both daily brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to your local dentist. If you feel that you will fall into the bad habits of poor dental hygiene post-treatment then you should consider thinking carefully about whether to go for the treatment or not.

Telltale signs of a bad dental implants candidate…

So we have discussed a few traits that you NEED to be an ideal implant candidate. Now let’s look at the main things that you certainly DON’T NEED.

People who haven’t fully grown yet

Perhaps very obvious, but important nonetheless. If your bone has not fully formed yet then there will be issues when it continues to grow with the implant built into it.

Pregnant women

Although dental implant surgery is safe it is advisable to wait until after your pregnancy to enter dental implant treatment. You will require some x-rays through your time being treated and to be extra-cautious this is not advisable whilst your are pregnant. You will also be given some medication during implant treatment. However you should try to avoid taking extra medication whilst pregnant.

People who smoke or drink excessively

Smoking greatly decreases the chances of a successful implant because it is detrimental to healing in the mouth. Excessive drinking is not good for your oral health and so this may also hold back the development and success rate of your treatment. If you live a healthy lifestyle then you are giving yourself a great to chance to be a good candidate for dental implants.

People with chronic diseases such as:

• Diabetes
• Connective-tissue diseases
• Haemophilia

Although these conditions can pose problems for dental implant treatment, in some cases you will be okay. It is important to consult your local implant dentist in details before taking any steps in the wrong direction.

How Does the Treatment Work?

Dental implant therapy takes a lot of skill and expertise. You will be treated by different experts at different stages of your treatment. The person who will place your implant will be a dental expert trained in-depth at fitting dental implants. This may be an oral surgeon, periodontist or a general dentist who as gone through the required training. Once your implants are securely fitted in place the cosmetic or restorative dentist will takeover. They are the ones responsible for placing the final crown, tooth or bridge onto the titanium implant.If you have decided to explore the option of dental implants then your first move must be to visit your local dental implant surgeon for a consultation.

During your consultation you will be carefully evaluated to make sure that you are a good candidate for dental implants. This will include a look at the current condition of your teeth and oral hygiene as well as a review of your medical history. You will also have an x-ray taken to shed some light on the amount of jaw-bone that the dentist will have to work with.After all of this has been completed your dentist will be able to discuss with your the best way forward. If you are eligible for dental implants then you will through and develop a tailored treatment plan to suit your journey.