While it is true that many of the patients here at Aurora Dental Care are good candidates for dental implants, there are some people who cannot make use of this method of replacement teeth. If you are considering dental implants and want to know if you are a good candidate, the only sure way to tell is to come in for an exam. However, there are many things that good candidates have in common. Here are some of the factors that play a part in determining whether or not dental implants are right for you.
How Healthy Are You?
Both your physical and your oral health will need to be evaluated before we can proceed with dental implants. For your oral health, your gums are the most important factor. They need to be healthy in order to support the implants. If you have suffered from severe periodontal disease in the past or are dealing with gum disease now, we will have to treat it before moving forward. We will also need to look at your jawbone via X-rays and other tools to determine if gum disease has caused you to lose density in the bone. If it has, your jaw may not be able to support the posts that need to be implanted into it. However, we may be able to do bone grafts to repair this damage.
As for your physical health, those with certain chronic conditions tend to have a higher rate of failure. Patients who are working through cancer treatments, have uncontrolled diabetes, or who have had radiation treatments near or on the jaws can still be good candidates for implants, but we will want to do a full assessment of your health before we begin planning for the procedure. If you are taking any medications that affect your immune system, we will need to discuss those as well. We may need to delay placing implants until you no longer need those medications.
Do You Smoke or Drink?
Smoking or consuming large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can affect your ability to get implants. Both of these habits affect your overall health and can cause damage to the gums and jaw. They can affect the recovery process and leave your body open to infection. Again, while these habits do not immediately rule you out as a candidate for implants, they are a concern.
Do You Suffer from Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw as a result of stress. It is temporary, and for most, the symptoms stop once they relax or deal with the source of their stress. However, if you have recurring bruxism, the stress it puts on the implants can damage them. We will need to discuss this condition and how to treat it while protecting your implants.
Schedule an Evaluation to Learn More
The only true way to determine if you are a good candidate or not is to come in and see us. We will do a full dental exam and talk to you about your medical history. Call Aurora Dental Care at 907-376-8400 to schedule your consultation.
Dental Implant Candidacy | Aurora Dental Care | Wasilla dentist Call Aurora Dental Care in Wasilla, Alaska today to schedule your candidate consultation and find out if dental implants for tooth replacement are right for you! Aurora Dental Care, 4501 Snider Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654 • 907-376-8400 • auroradentalak.com • 9/8/2024 • Related Terms: Dentist Wasilla Wasilla AK •
While it is true that many of the patients here at Aurora Dental Care are good candidates for 