Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Lake Oswego, OR
Dental Implants provided by Dr. Carly Petersen
in Lake Oswego, OR at The Dentist on Boones Ferry
 Are you thinking about getting dental implants? If that is the case, you may also be asking: "Am I a candidate for dental implants?" The first step you should take is to get a consultation. Talking to a dentist will help clear out doubts as to whether you are a good fit for the procedure.
At The Dentist on Boones Ferry, we help patients figure out the best treatment plan after an examination. Only through a dental exam should your dentist tell you whether you need an implant. With that said, many other factors can help you and your dentist determine if you are the right candidate for dental implants.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
Before we even consider your candidacy, the first step is to determine if you need a dental implant. Many other dental restoration solutions must be explored before choosing dental implants. For individuals considering implant surgery, it is first necessary to check and see that implants are the best solution. If you fall in the following categories of patients, chances are that you need an implant surgery.
You Have Lost One or More Teeth
Missing teeth can be embarrassing, making it hard to eat properly and causing you to feel self-conscious about smiling in public. Dental implants are fully functional prosthetic teeth designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth. If you have missing teeth, implants offer one of the best solutions. With implants, you can feel confident in your restored smile.
You Have Suffered a Serious Tooth Fracture
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, a dental crown or a dental implant might be the best option to restore your smile. Dentists try to save as much of the natural tooth as possible, but if the tooth is too damaged and beyond repair, it might need to be removed. In that case, an implant that looks and works like a natural tooth can restore your smile. Some patients even forget they have an implant, and others will not know the implant is not a natural tooth.
You Use Loose Dentures
Loose-fitting dentures or partials can be hard to deal with every day, requiring removal for cleaning and messy adhesives to keep them in place. Implants are a good alternative because you will not have to worry about your dentures becoming loose and falling out while talking or eating in public.
You Suffer From Jawbone Tissue Loss
Jawbone tissue can begin to erode in places where teeth are missing because there are no roots to stimulate growth. Implants are surgically placed into the socket of the missing tooth and act as an artificial root. Made of titanium and zirconium, they bond with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Preventing the deterioration of jawbone tissue also prevents mouth regression, which leads to a shrunken appearance. Some people who wear dentures have a sunken look.
This happens because dentures do not stimulate bone growth like implants do. Over time, the bone continues to deteriorate, resulting in a sunken-in appearance. If you still have sufficient bone density, it is recommended to undergo implant surgery instead of using dentures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If our dentist determines that dental implants are the best treatment, you must also consider your suitability as a candidate. Those who undergo dental implantation must be examined and pass specific checks to proceed. The dentist will have to check your overall health, dental health, and the ability to retain dental implants. A good dental implant candidate meets the following conditions:
Has Healthy Gums
The health of your teeth and gums is crucial for overall oral health. If you have receding gums due to advanced periodontal disease, you might not be suitable for dental implants. Gums support teeth, and without healthy gums, teeth are more likely to fall out. The best candidates for dental implants have healthy gums. The dentist will examine your gums and advise on whether you should undergo dental implants.
Does Not Smoke
Do you use tobacco products? If so, you might not be the best candidate for dental implants. Smoking can negatively impact your overall health and specifically affect how well a tooth implant fuses to your jawbone. Additionally, individuals who smoke may experience slower healing after the procedure. If you smoke and wish to have implants, your dentist may require that you completely stop smoking.
Must Have Sufficient Bone Density in the Jaw
It is necessary to have a sufficient amount of bone density in your jaw to support a dental implant. If you do not have sufficient bone density, your dentist might suggest mini dental implants instead. Mini implants have a ball at the end that allows your tooth replacement to snap into place. The crown, which looks like a natural tooth, has a socket underneath to attach to the implant securely. Mini implants can be placed in just one appointment.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps your dental implants last longer. To ensure your implants last for years, you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit our dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination. Before undergoing an implant dental surgery, we will inquire about your oral hygiene routines. The dentist will also be able to detect your dental hygiene by performing an oral examination.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment!
If you need a dental implant, start by making an appointment with us. It is much easier to work out a treatment plan for your condition after getting a detailed examination and ascertaining your candidacy. The mere fact that you have lost teeth does not make you a good candidate for dental implants. Our dental team will help you determine the best treatment plan. To book a consultation, call The Dentist on Boones Ferry at (971) 377-1208 today!
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