4 Ways To Tell If You Are A Good Candidate For Dental Implants
Are you thinking of getting dental implants to restore your dental structure? Implants are a good choice because of their convenience and strength. But not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants for varied health reasons. For example, implants are not advised for people with uncontrollable illnesses such as hemophilia and autoimmune disorders. Some of the questions that can lead you to the answer include:
Do You Need Preparatory Procedures?
Preparatory procedures ensure your gums and jawbone are in proper shape to support a dental implant procedure. If you have receding gums, the dentist may need to do a gum graft to restore and strengthen your gums.
If you have gone for long with missing teeth, your jawbone loses bone mass because there is no stimulation. You must first get a bone graft to restore your jawbone mass to make a good platform for the implants.
If the dentist determines implants will impact your sinus cavity, you must undergo a sinus lift procedure before getting the implants to keep your sinus cavity clear. All these preparatory procedures require time to heal.
Do You Have a Chronic Illness?
Your body's immune system will need to be working optimally to withstand a dental implant procedure, heal properly and quickly. People with chronic illnesses are not advised to undergo such an involving medical procedure.
These illnesses include hemophilia, cancer, and autoimmune diseases which reject the implant. People living with diabetes can have dental implants, but only after thorough tests to determine the efficacy of their immune system.
Do You Have Ongoing Dental Illnesses?
If you have periodontal disease, it must heal first before a dental implant procedure because an active infection can cause further infection when the implant is in place. If you have ongoing gum disease, the dentist will first treat it and wait for it to heal.
The dentist will start with a deep cleaning on one side, and then the other. You will have to undergo regular deep cleaning sessions until gum disease is gone. It can take several months to be cleared for an implant procedure.
Do You Have Risky Lifestyle Habits?
Some lifestyle habits can impede healing after an implant procedure. Tobacco usage, smoking, and excessive alcoholism are some of the damaging habits inadvisable for a dental implant candidate.
Since getting dental implants is a lengthy procedure, you must commit to observing healthy lifestyle habits for the duration, including good oral health habits.
Are you looking forward to getting your smile back with dental implants? Book an appointment with a dentist to make an assessment of your suitability for the procedure.
For more information on dental implants, contact a professional near you.