Dental implants have quickly become one of the most popular tooth replacement options because of their many unique benefits, including their strength, longevity, and lifelike attributes. One of their advantages is the predictability of treatment—dental implants have a success rate of about 98%. Part of the reason for this is that dentists thoroughly examine patients for certain attributes before recommending this service. Read on to learn the 5 most important qualities of a good dental implant candidate to see if they’re the right option for your smile!
#1. Healthy Gums
Implants are more susceptible to gum inflammation than normal teeth because the infection can detach the soft tissue from your artificial tooth root. This creates little pockets where harmful bacteria can collect. Plus, untreated gum disease can actually attack the jawbone and cause it to weaken.
#2. Commitment to Dental Hygiene
A significant part of the success of dental implants is commitment to a good oral healthcare routine. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session, floss once a day, and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
#3. Jawbone Strength
Dental implants fuse to the jawbone and become a permanent part of the body during a process called osseointegration. However, some patients may not have sufficient bone for the placement of dental implants. Over time, tooth loss, and the lack of stimulation that it causes, will lead to jawbone deterioration. However, in many cases where candidates don’t have enough bone, grafting can be done to create more area for the implants.
#4. Free from Chronic Disease
Studies show that chronic disease can impact the success rate of dental implants. For example, patients with diabetes have a success rate of about 94% in the second stage, which is 4% less than the norm. This may be because diabetes causes higher risks of cavities and gum disease, but it also interferes with the osseointegration process, where the implant fuses to your bone.
#5. Don’t Drink Alcohol Excessively or Smoke
Surprisingly, drinking alcohol excessively after receiving implants can cause risk of failure because it dries out the mouth, making it more difficult for the blood clotting process to occur. Plus, alcohol leads to bone loss over time, which causes difficulty during implant placement. Additionally, smoking slows down the healing process and it can contribute to gum disease, inflaming the soft tissues around the implants.
Now that you know whether dental implants are right for you, what are you waiting for? Contact your dentist to get started on your complete smile today.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. James Nelson is a Baton Rouge Native who loves caring for his Metairie patients. He has been named as one of the Top Dentists from 2016 to 2020, and he has extensive training in dental implants. Plus, he is offering $500 off your dental implants in the month of December! If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (504) 887-3311.