When you have missing teeth in your smile, it can make you want to hide it away. You may not feel confident showing it off or might even have trouble eating foods you love. As you look into replacement options, dental implants continue to pop up as the gold standard. They offer benefits that entice you, but not everyone is eligible for them right away. To help you see if you are a good candidate, here are three qualities to look for.
1.) Practice a Healthy Lifestyle
Dental implants are able to last a lifetime, but one way they can is through proper oral hygiene. Bacteria are a big threat to them, as the surrounding structures can get infected. By brushing twice a day and flossing at least once, you can remove plaque and keep your mouth a healthy foundation.
You should also break bad habits like using your teeth as tools or smoking and chewing tobacco. The former can lead to damage, while the latter can pose much more risk. Using it can slow down your healing and increase your chances of jawbone loss, making your implant wobbly.
2.) Keep Up with Your Overall Health
While your oral health is important, so is your overall well-being. Systemic conditions can cause complications if they are unmanaged. For instance, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are some that can affect your recovery if you don’t have them under control. Be honest about any medical conditions you have; that way, your dentist can better prepare for them and help you have a successful treatment.
3.) Have Enough Jawbone Density
One of the most important considerations for this service is your jawbone density. Dental implants restore a missing tooth from the root up. A post is placed and fused to your jaw. When it’s healed, you’ll have a reliable, stable bite and avoid developing sunken cheeks.
Some patients can get this treatment right away, but just as many aren’t able to because their jawbone is weaker. Placing them during this state can be risky, so many opt to get a bone graft. This helps rebuild the parts of the jaw that need it most, oftentimes resulting in it being dense enough to support the implant.
With that being said, the only way to know if you can get this gold standard tooth replacement is through a consultation. Through X-rays and oral examinations, you’ll be able to know more about your unique case and if anything needs to be done to get you closer to a full smile you love.
About the Practice
At Devonshire Dental of Boston, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. With an experienced specialist on staff, we are able to place dental implants in-office. By doing a thorough consultation, you can know whether you’re a good candidate for this service and what you can do to become one. If you are interested in getting a full grin once again, schedule an appointment or call our office at (617) 350-7474.