Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option in dentistry. Thanks to dental implant technology, patients can replace missing or damaged teeth with natural looking, fully functional dental prosthetics. 

If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Here’s what you need to know. 

How Do Dental Implants Work? 

To understand what it takes to be eligible for dental implants, it helps to know how they work. A dental implant is a titanium post with threads or ridges like a screw, that is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw. Titanium is a biocompatible material, which means it works well with the body and won’t be rejected. 

As the implant fuses with the bone over time, the bond created is so strong that it can withstand the same chewing force as your natural teeth. A dental prosthetic is attached to the implant to provide a functional replacement that looks natural. 

Eligibility for Dental Implants 

If you’re wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants, the following criteria are the most important: 

• Condition of your jaw bone. The most important factor in eligibility for dental implants is the condition of your jaw bone. The bone must be thick enough and strong enough to support a dental implant. If one or more teeth have been missing for a while, the jaw bone that supported them may have weakened and resorbed, or dissolved. This means your jaw is not currently ready to receive a dental implant. 

• Oral health. If you have any oral health concerns, such as gum disease, it must be treated first before you are eligible for dental implants. Gum disease can damage the support structures for the teeth, causing them to become loose and even fall out. A dental implant cannot be placed if there is infection or resulting damage present. 

• Lifestyle and habits. It is necessary to practice good oral hygiene habits in order for a dental implant to be successful. You’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your natural teeth and your implant healthy. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you may not be eligible for dental implants as these habits inhibit healing and osseointegration (fusion of the implant and bone). 

What Can I Do to Become a Candidate for Dental Implants? 

The following treatments, procedures, and lifestyle changes can help you become a better candidate for dental implants: 

• Bone grafting. If your jaw bone has deteriorated due to missing teeth, a bone graft procedure may be able to recoup lost tissue. A bone fragment can be placed under your gums on top of the existing bone. It will bond with the bone and encourage regrowth of the bone tissue so that your jaw will be strong enough to support a dental implant. 

• Periodontal treatment. Gum disease can be treated with various periodontal procedures that are designed to eliminate the infection and prevent it from returning. Once gum disease is in remission, you may be eligible for dental implants. 

• Take good care of your teeth. Practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing. 

• Quit tobacco. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, quitting will help you become a more ideal candidate for dental implants. 

Why Choose Dr. Park Family Dentistry?

If you’re interested in dental implants to replace one or more of your teeth, Dr. Park Family Dentistry provides this restoration option. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not you are eligible for dental implants and create a plan for treatment. We make it our goal to provide you with the best tooth replacement option, and we will work with you to make it happen if it is in your best interest. 

Call 613-544-2432 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.