As part of your journey towards a restored smile with dental implants, we highly regard the first step (the consultation) as being the most important. When you attend your consultation, this gives our doctor the opportunity to review your oral health, medical history, and any other factors that might affect your candidacy for dental implants. This consultation will help to ensure that you are getting the best possible care and treatment for your needs.
The Qualifying Criteria
Before contacting our office for your free consultation, you may be wondering just what determines a patient’s candidacy for the dental implant procedure. With how incredible they can be in both form and function, implants truly seem to be the ideal solution for anyone who has suffered tooth loss. However, in order for the procedure to be successful, there are a few key things that must be taken into consideration.
- Healthy Gums: First and foremost, it is important to have healthy gums. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, and so any gum disease or infection could potentially interfere with the success of the surgery. If the tissue is not healthy enough, it will not be able to support the placement of an implant. You may first require treatment for gum disease and an overall assessment of any damage done to the bone as result of the disease.
- Sufficient Bone Volume: Additionally, you must have enough bone in your jaw to support the placement of an implant. The bone will gradually fuse to the titanium post, and so it is essential that there is enough bone volume to provide a solid foundation. If you have suffered from tooth loss for an extended period of time, it is possible that the bone has deteriorated to the point where implants are not possible. In this case, a bone graft may be required in order to restore the necessary volume.
- Proper Health: Finally, it is important to be overall healthy and have no major health conditions that could interfere with the healing process. Implant surgery is a relatively minor procedure, but as with any surgery, there is always a risk of infection. Any chronic health conditions that could potentially interfere with the body’s ability to heal should be taken into consideration before undergoing implant surgery.
If you are considering dental implants, our team would be more than happy to help you assess your candidacy for the procedure. We understand that every patient is unique and we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best suited for your individual needs. Before booking your free consultation, we invite you to take our free survey to see if you may be a candidate for dental implants.
