What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial titanium tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants are a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They provide a functional, natural-looking solution for those with missing teeth or severe dental issues.
What Impacts Dental Implant Candidacy?
Suitability for dental implants varies from person to person, and it’s essential to consult a qualified dentist to determine your candidacy. At Keep Smiling Columbus, Dr. Latif will evaluate several factors to assess your eligibility for dental implants.
Sufficient Bone Density
To support dental implants, patients must have adequate jawbone density. During the consultation, your Columbus implant dentist will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays or CT scans, to evaluate your bone density. In cases where bone loss has occurred, Dr. Latif may recommend bone grafting to enhance the implant’s stability.
Healthy Gums
Good oral health is crucial for successful dental implant treatment. Healthy gums ensure the implant site is free from infections or gum disease. If any oral health issues are detected, the dental team at Keep Smiling Columbus will address them before proceeding with the implant placement.
Overall Health
Certain general health conditions may impact dental implant candidacy. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers may affect the healing process and the overall success of the implants. Discuss your medical history with our dental team during the consultation to determine if dental implants suit you.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of dental implants. Patients must be committed to regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. The team at Keep Smiling Columbus will guide you on the best oral hygiene practices to ensure the success of your dental implants.
Non-Smoker or Willingness to Quit Smoking
Smoking can markedly affect the success of dental implants. Tobacco use inhibits proper healing and increases the risk of complications during and after the implant procedure. Therefore, being a non-smoker or demonstrating a commitment to quitting smoking is an important factor in dental implant candidacy. Our dental professionals at Keep Smiling Columbus can offer guidance and support to help you quit smoking if needed.
How Can I Improve My Dental Implant Candidacy?
In some cases, individuals may not initially meet all the criteria for dental implant candidacy but can still become better candidates with certain steps and treatments. Here are a few ways you can improve your candidacy for dental implants:
- Improve Oral Health: If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues, it’s important to address them before considering dental implants.
- Bone Grafting: Insufficient jawbone density is a common reason for implant candidacy limitations. However, bone grafting can stimulate bone growth to create a solid foundation for implants.
- Periodontal Therapy: If you have gum disease, it’s crucial to undergo periodontal therapy to eliminate the infection and restore gum health. This may involve deep cleaning, root planing, and other treatments to address gum disease.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can significantly impact the success of dental implants due to its negative effects on oral health and healing. If you’re a smoker, quitting or reducing your smoking habit can greatly enhance your implant candidacy.
- Address Systemic Health Issues: Certain systemic health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect healing and implant success. Working closely with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions can help improve your candidacy for dental implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
