Dental implants are a natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. However, not everyone is immediately ready for this procedure. The good news is, determining if you’re a candidate for dental implants is a simple process with the right dental care provider. If you’re considering dental implants in Springfield, OR, at McKenzie Dental Center, schedule a consultation today to find out if you’re a good fit for this life-changing treatment.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Implants?
Dental implants are a great option for many, but the ideal candidate has certain qualities. Good candidates typically have healthy gums, enough bone structure, and sufficient bone density to support the implants, along with a commitment to maintaining oral hygiene. If these conditions are met, you are on your way to a successful implant procedure.
- Healthy gums and teeth: No active periodontal disease or untreated cavities that could affect the stability of the implants.
- Good overall health: No conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, that interfere with healing or affect your body’s response to the implant procedure.
- Strong oral hygiene habits: Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
- Adequate bone density: Sufficient bone structure to support the implant, with bone grafting options if necessary.
Factors That Affect Healing & Success
Your body’s ability to heal properly after implant surgery is key to the success of the treatment. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders may affect your healing process, so it’s important to share your full medical history with your dentist. Discussing these factors ahead of time will help you understand how they might impact your candidacy.
- Chronic health issues: Health conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders can slow healing or affect the body’s ability to integrate the implant into the jawbone.
- Medication use: Certain medications, such as immunosuppressants or blood thinners, may affect the healing process or implant success.
- Post-procedure care: Proper care following surgery, including avoiding pressure on the implant and maintaining good oral hygiene, is crucial for optimal healing.
Bone Loss & Grafting Requirements
When teeth are missing for a long period, the bone in the jaw may begin to shrink, making it difficult to support a dental implant. If there’s insufficient bone, bone grafting can be performed to restore bone volume and create a solid foundation for the implant. The material used for bone grafting is typically biocompatible, helping the bone to heal naturally and bond with the implant.
- Severe bone loss: Inadequate bone structure may require bone grafting to restore volume and provide a stable base for the implant.
- Grafting techniques: Bone grafts are made from biocompatible materials, such as natural bone or synthetic materials, that promote bone growth.
- Implant timeline: Bone grafting may extend the timeline before implants can be placed, as the graft needs to integrate and heal before the implant procedure.
Smoking & Implant Success Rates
Smoking can significantly affect the success of dental implants by reducing blood flow and delaying the body’s ability to heal. Smokers are more likely to experience complications such as infection or implant failure. To ensure the best outcome, quitting smoking is highly recommended before and after the procedure.
- Higher risk of implant failure: Smoking interferes with blood circulation, which can impair healing and increase the risk of implant rejection.
- Increased complications: Smoking may lead to gum recession, infection, or implant instability.
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing or quitting smoking improves the chances of long-term implant success.
Age Considerations For Dental Implants
Dental implants are suitable for both younger and older adults, as long as the jawbone has fully developed. For younger patients, it’s important that their jaws have finished growing. Older adults can also benefit from implants, as long as they are in good overall health and able to undergo the necessary surgical procedures.
- Younger adults: The jawbone should be fully developed, usually around age 18 for women and 21 for men.
- Older adults: No upper age limit, as long as the patient is healthy and able to heal well after surgery.
- Customized treatment plans: Age, health, and lifestyle are all factors that influence the treatment approach and timeline for dental implants.
Every Smile Needs
The Right Strong Match
Choosing dental implants means a long-term, stable solution for your smile. Our team at McKenzie Dental Center in Springfield, OR, will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and well-informed. We’ll help you determine if dental implants are the right choice and work with you to achieve your desired outcome. Schedule a consultation today and discover how dental implants can change your life.