Am I A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Getting dental implants in Greenville, SC is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health and smile appearance.

These artificial teeth are different from other types of tooth replacements because they mimic the structure of the natural tooth perfectly. Patients first get a metal post inserted into the jaw bone, which acts as the tooth root, and then receive a dental crown to complete their smile.

But, you might have heard some people can’t get dental implants. Here are 6 factors a dentist looks like to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants:

1. Jawbone Health

First, you need to have a healthy jaw and a specific amount of it to get dental implants. Once the metal post is inserted into the bone, the body should slowly heal and fuse to it, in a lengthy process called osseointegration.

Unhealthy bone will not heal, and the implant has a high risk of failure.

2. Gum Health

Next, the dentist will look at the state of your gums. Patients with gingivitis or gum disease are not good candidates for implants since these conditions can also lead to implant failure.

If you have unhealthy gums, you’ll need to undergo the appropriate treatment before you get implants.

3. Medical History

Some medical conditions can also affect healing, so dental implants might be off the table.

These conditions could include diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and certain hormonal imbalances.

4. Medical Treatments

Some treatments may also keep you from getting dental implants. Common examples are:

Antidepressants
Chemotherapy
Osteoporosis medication
Autoimmune condition treatments
Prescription painkillers

However, you may be able to get implants if the treatments are temporary and you give your body time to recover, like in the case of chemotherapy.

5. Titanium Allergy

The implant’s metal post is made from titanium, which is the standard for most other implant materials as well.

Unfortunately, those with a rare implant allergy will not be able to get implant surgery.

6. Age

If your teenager lost one of their adult teeth, they may be too young to get implants.

Dentists recommend these artificial teeth for patients with a fully developed jaw, so teenagers may be able to get the surgery at around 16-17 years old, depending on their development rate.

If they’re too young, a dentist may recommend an alternative like dental bridges, which can help restore their smile.