Some people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of the pain or they are embarrassed about the state of their teeth. Some people are not able to have dental implants put in for various reasons. These can include health reasons, such as certain chronic illnesses or due to previous injury or trauma to the mouth area. In some cases, people simply do not have enough bone in their jaw to support the implant.

If you want to know whether or not you are a good candidate for it, below are just a few pointers that may help you along the way.

1. If You Are Taking Medications

Certain medications may prevent a person from being able to get dental implants. These include chemotherapy drugs, bisphosphonates, and corticosteroids. Besides that, people who take beta-blockers for heart conditions or blood pressure have a higher chance of dental implant failure, according to studies.

2. If You Have an Uncontrolled Illness

Patients who want to get implants should be generally healthy and without any diseases that could interfere with healing. This is because implants need to be able to attach and heal properly. Some health conditions can make getting dental implants difficult or even impossible. These include cancer, hemophilia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. These conditions can interfere with your body’s ability to heal, which is necessary for dental implants to be successful.

Certain health conditions may result in serious infections following a dental implant procedure. Another condition, known as osteonecrosis, can also impact the bone tissue’s response to surgery, making dental implants inadvisable.

3. If You Have an Ongoing Dental or Periodontal Concern

The best candidate for dental implants is someone with good oral health who does not have active periodontal disease. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist will likely recommend a deep cleaning. This is a process of removing tartar and plaque from below the gum line. This can help to reduce the risk of infection during dental procedures and improve the overall health of your mouth.

After the dentist clears your mouth’s right side, you will need to return to get the left side treated. In six to eight weeks, you will be back for a re-evaluation. However, because you have periodontal disease, you will need to return every 3-4 months for your cleaning instead of the usual six months. If you maintain good oral health, you can qualify for dental implants in the future.

4. If You Have Insufficient Bone Mass or Density

Dental implants are only successful if the jawbone is strong enough to support them. If a tooth is missing, the bone surrounding it can start to degrade, which can lead to a decrease in bone density. If you have bone loss in your jaw, your dentist may recommend a bone graft. This is a procedure where new bone is placed in the jaw to help support your teeth.

5. If You Have Poor Lifestyle Habits

To be a candidate for dental implant surgery, you must be willing to take care of your teeth and mouth. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash daily. You should also avoid smoking, as it can interfere with your recovery.

Dental implant surgery is a lengthy process that can take several months to complete. Patients need to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during this time, as these habits can interfere with the healing process.

Conclusion

Considering dental implants, it is important to consult a qualified dental professional to determine if you are a good candidate. Many factors need to be considered, such as the health of your gums and jawbone, the number and position of missing teeth, and your overall health. If your dentist gives you the ‘go signal’ for dental implants, only then can you proceed with the next step: choosing the type of implant that is right for you.

If you are looking to undergo a dental implant in Tucson, AZ, look no further than our expertise here at CFF Dental. We are a family dental clinic offering tooth-colored restorations, same-day crowns, bridges, dental implants, 3D x-rays, Invisalign orthodontics, and extractions, among other things. Call us today to book your first dental implant session with us.