One of the best options available in modern dentistry to replace your missing teeth is through dental implants. Implants are medical screws that are placed within the jaw bone. After they heal, the implant acts as support for the new crown (the part that looks like a tooth) that is built on top of the implant. Here we discuss various factors that increase the likelihood of success for your dental implants.

BONE DENSITY

Because implants are placed within the bone, the denser and stronger the bone, the better success rate the implant has. The bone offers a housing or foundation for the implant, therefore the denser and stronger the foundation it is, the better the success of the implant. Patients who have very thin or limited bone may need bone grafting procedures to increase the bone density in that area. Often times, imaging such as panoramic x-rays of 3D CBCT images are taken to evaluate the bone density and quality. The longer a tooth is missing from within the bone, the thinner the bone in that area gets since bone shrinks in size, so it is important to consider getting an implant sooner rather than later, while there is still adequate bone support.

GUM HEALTH

The gums are also integral in supporting and protecting the implant along with the bone. Therefore, patients who have severe gum recession or periodontal disease may not be good candidates for receiving dental implants. Sometimes, patients with these conditions may need additional procedures completed for better success of their implant.

NON-SMOKER

Patients who do not smoke are ideal candidates for dental implants. Smoking tobacco products can prolong or even completely inhibit the healing process after the dental implant procedure, which can result in longer healing times, complications following the surgery, and even possible failure of the implant. Therefore we highly recommend that patients receiving dental implants refrain from smoking during the 4—6 month healing process.

GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

Implant success is highly dependent on good oral hygiene. Buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria within the mouth can introduce a harmful environment to the dental implant, which can decrease the likelihood of success following the procedure.

These are only some of the factors that can are taken into consideration when evaluating whether you may be a good fit for dental implants. During your consultation at our office, we will do a full examination and will take all of these factors into account when creating a treatment plan that serves your goals and needs.