Yes or No? Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Advancements in dentistry now make it possible for patients to choose which tooth replacement option they prefer. Although traditional full and partial dentures have been around for centuries, newer solutions like dental implants offer longer-lasting results and greater durability. Yet do you know whether you’re a good candidate for this type of treatment? Read on to discover what you need to do to find out if a more permanent set of teeth is in your future.

The First Step: Why a Scheduled Consultation is Necessary

Treating tooth loss requires careful planning, and that is why you must meet with a qualified implant dentist for a scheduled consultation.

This initial visit allows you to not only discuss your smile goals and any concerns you have about your condition, but it also allows your dentist to review your medical history and determine the severity of your tooth loss.

Digital imaging and a visual examination are also performed so that a complete, comprehensive treatment plan can be provided.

Which Factors Are Considered When Choosing Dental Implants?

During your consultation, you can expect that your implant dentist will inquire and evaluate three distinct factors – those that will determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants:

• Your Overall Health – What medications are you taking? Do you have any medical conditions that could increase the chances of your dental implants failing (i.e., diabetes)? Evaluating your overall health is essential to learning how healthy you are for surgery.
• Your Oral Health – Although you are receiving treatment for missing teeth, the remaining of your smile must be in good shape. Do you show signs of existing tooth decay or gum disease? If so, your dentist will recommend that you undergo additional treatment to address these issues before moving on to receive dental implants.
• Your Jawbone Health – A stable and supportive jawbone is essential if dental implants are to succeed. By evaluating the density of your bone, they can determine if you need bone grafting. This procedure combines grafting materials with any existing bone so they will integrate and encourage more bone growth.

Other unique factors that a dentist will consider include your commitment to maintaining your new smile after your implants are put in place, whether you drink excessively or smoke, and the understanding that the dental implant process takes time to complete.

If during your consultation, your dentist suggests additional treatment, do not be discouraged. These procedures will better prepare your smile so that it can adequately support your new teeth once they are in place.

Most individuals suffering from tooth loss can achieve a fully restored smile with dental implants, so don’t wait to discuss the idea with your dentist.

About the Author
Dr. Joseph Vollo earned his DDS degree at SUNY Buffalo before completing a post-doctoral Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Western New York Veterans Hospital. He and his colleague (and wife), Dr. Katherine Vollo, work together to provide patients suffering from tooth loss with reliable solutions like dental implants. Tailored to each individual, these permanent prosthetics last longer and prove more durable than other replacement solutions. If you are without one or more teeth and want to know if you’re a candidate for dental implants, contact us via our website or call (585) 225-9114.