The Best and Worst Candidates For Dental Implants

Losing a permanent tooth, or multiple teeth, can be devastating. You’d do anything to get back your natural smile. That’s why you want dental implants. They are known for their unrivaled ability to replicate natural teeth – in function, feel and looks. The first question you may want to know, “am I a good candidate for dental implants?”

Unlike dentures or partials, dental implants have certain criteria. It involves a surgical procedure and important healing process. There are things that must be in order for your dental implants to be successful.

Best Candidates for Dental Implants

If you fit the following criteria, you could be an ideal candidate for dental implants:

• Good overall health
• Healthy gums
• Commitment to follow diligent oral hygiene
• Sufficient jawbone height and density
• Patience and an understanding that dental implants are a process

Remember that just because you may not meet the above requirements, doesn’t mean you’ll never get dental implants. For example, there are procedures such as bone grafting to build up your bone and qualify you for dental implants.

Poor Candidates for Dental Implants

If any of the below situations applies to you, you may need to rethink your course of treatment for teeth replacement:

• Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders that prevent you from healing
• Smoker who is unwilling to quit for 6 months or more
• Insufficient bone tissue and cannot undergo bone grafting

The above criteria for dental implants is just a general guideline. The only way to know for sure whether or not you are a candidate is to visit a qualified implants dentist. Dr. Wayne Suway is happy to see you in Marietta and evaluate your specific case. We will do everything we can to rebuild your smile the way you need and deserve!