If you’ve lost a tooth or have multiple missing teeth, then dental implants may seem like the saving grace you’ve been looking for. They’re an effective, natural-looking tooth replacement option, and once you have them, they’re low maintenance to take care of. Before you take the plunge, there’s just one question that remains: Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Since implant dentistry requires oral surgery, there are some things that need to be checked beforehand to ensure that the procedure will be a success. Here are some factors to consider if you want to determine your candidacy for dental implants:

Good Gum Health

Since dental implants are placed into your gums, like how your natural teeth are positioned, it’s crucial that you have good gum health before moving forward with the implant procedure. If you’re dealing with gum disease, then your gingivitis or periodontitis will need to be treated first.

Sufficient Bone Density

Along with gum health, having a healthy jawbone and sufficient bone in your jaw is necessary for dental implant placement. Implants differ from other tooth-replacement options like bridges and dentures because they’re surgically placed into the bone. Therefore, there needs to be enough bone there to properly anchor the implant in place. If you have an insufficient amount of bone in your jaw, you may be able to get a bone graft in order to clear you for implant surgery.

No Tobacco Use

Since overall good oral health is necessary for dental implants, smokers may not qualify for the restorative procedure. Tobacco use is not only detrimental to your dental health, but it can also get in the way of your recovery process after the implant is placed.

Contact Us for a Consultation Today!

All in all, the best way to confirm whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants is to see a dental professional. At Jackson Smiles Family Dentistry, we provide implant dentistry, so we’re happy to assess your candidacy. Call or email us today to set up your consultation at our Jackson dental office!