Dental implants are considered the finest form of tooth replacement available because they look and work just like the real thing. They allow patients to replace lost teeth with irremovable, lifelike crowns that only require the same care and hygiene as natural teeth. Many people are interested in receiving dental implants, but a patient must meet certain prerequisites before they can be considered a good candidate for the surgery. Here are a few qualities a patient needs to receive dental implants as well as a few ways they can be achieved.
Good Overall Health
Dental implants must be placed surgically, and the healing process goes much more smoothly if the patient is in good health. While milder conditions like controlled diabetes may require the patient to take special care of their mouth while recovering, more severe conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or a recent heart attack or stroke can prevent a patient from healing properly. Before receiving dental implants, patients with conditions like these will need to take some time to recover from them or get them under control. Take care to let your oral surgeon know if you are taking any medications.
Healthy Gums
Dental implants need healthy gums to be successful. If a patient has gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis, the issue will need to be treated and resolved before they can receive dental implants. Seeing your dentist can help you achieve healthy and strong gums that can support a dental implant.
Sufficient Bone Mass in the Jaw
Shortly after a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath the vacant spot will begin to atrophy and recede. If this is allowed to continue for too long, or if the patient has thin jawbones to begin with, the jaw will not have enough bone mass to support a dental implant. Fortunately, an oral surgeon may be able to use bone grafting techniques to reinforce your jaw until it is strong enough to undergo implant surgery. Recovering from bone grafting procedures can take a few months.
A Commitment to Oral Hygiene
If dental implants are to be successful, the patient receiving them must take proper care of their mouth. Even though dental implants are immune to tooth decay, the patient will still need to brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash every day to eliminate plaque, protect their natural teeth, and prevent gum disease. This way, the healing process can go uninterrupted by oral infections, allowing the implant to form a strong bond with the jaw and serve the patient beautifully for decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Maryam Bemani earned her dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and continues to pursue continuing education courses to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry. Her office in Catonsville, MD provides patients with a calm, nurturing environment and high-quality dental services. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To learn more about receiving dental implants, contact the office online or dial (443) 251-5580.