Blog Highlights

• Dental implants are a method of replacing missing teeth
• To determine if you’re a potential candidate, speak with your dentist
• Your dentist will help develop a treatment plan and organize the surgery

Dental implants are a method of replacing missing teeth. However, in order to be a good candidate for dental implants you must meet a set of criteria: You must have healthy gums, enough bone under your gums for the dental implants to be mounted on, and you must be committed to a strict dental care regime once they’re installed.

To determine if you’re a potential candidate, speak with your dentist. Each case should be evaluated on an individual basis. However, if you fall into any of the following groups, you are most likely not a good candidate for dental implants:

• Young patients whose jawbones are still developing
• Alcohol or substance abusers
• If you’ve had high-dose radiation to your head or neck
• Pregnant women
• Smokers
• People with diabetes, connective-tissue diseases, immune deficiencies, or hemophilia
• Patients on certain medications
• Patients who clench or grind their teeth If you decide to undergo dental implant treatment, make an appointment with your dentist. They will determine if you’re a good candidate. During their evaluation, they will take x-rays and review your medical and dental history. Once approved for the surgery, they may require you to get a CT scan, so they can understand where your nerves and sinuses are. Your dentist will help develop a treatment plan and organize the surgery. Getting dental implants requires a team of dentists. An oral surgeon, periodontist, or general dentist will install the implants. Once the implants are in place, a restorative dentist will set the crowns, bridge, or dentures. After the surgery, your dentist will help you establish a good home-care routine.