Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

December 5, 2022
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Missing one or more teeth is a problem most people have to deal with at one point in their lives, which highlights the importance of knowing the solutions at hand. Dental implants in Issaquah are one of the most coveted tooth replacements due to their durable and lasting nature. Yet, only some mouths have what it takes to host these porcelain substitutes. Dental implants might be an unfitting procedure for you for many reasons, from not being healthy enough to having a nicotine addiction.

3D image of dental implants in Issaquah

Factors to Determine If You Can Get Dental Implants

Oral Health

Oral surgery and proper dental health go hand in hand, as no patient can get dental implants if their mouth is plagued with dental problems. When you don’t learn how to look after your smile, you give bacteria more leeway to build up on the surface of your teeth. Plaque and tartar feed off your enamel and erode tooth layers, compromising oral health.

If left untreated, severe decay can loosen natural teeth and make them fall out, leaving you with gaps to fill. Bacteria can also make themselves at home around your gums, causing swelling, bleeding, and recession and giving you periodontal disease.

Dentists must deal with conditions compromising oral health before fixing dental implants to your jaw. Failing to do so will increase your chances of implant rejection and put your mouth at even more risk than before your surgery.

Age

Having a healthy mouth is only one step towards being suitable for dental implants, as you must also be the appropriate age. Most patients are not ready for implants before age 18 since their facial bones and structure haven’t fully developed. Likewise, patients over 70 might not have enough bone density in their jaws to support dental implants, making them unfit for this particular tooth replacement.

Fortunately, age ranges are an estimate, so make sure to visit your dentist and get X-rays to determine if your jaw is implant-ready.

Certain Chronic Diseases

Sometimes age isn’t getting in the way, but you suffer from chronic illnesses that could compromise your health while getting dental implants. For instance, people who have diabetes are more likely to get a post-surgery infection, and the tissue surrounding the newly-placed implant can take more time to heal. Other conditions, such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases, lead to similar situations.

Even though having these diseases is not a deal-breaker for getting dental implants, the conditions have to be under control for a dentist to consider dental implants a viable option.

Smoking

Even though smoking is not a chronic ailment, its effects on your body might make you too weak to receive dental implants. Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar, which damage your immune system and increase blood pressure. Like diabetes, these symptoms can interfere with your possibility of getting dental implants, as you won’t heal after the procedure and might reject your new teeth.

If you’re thinking about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, try quitting altogether or talk to your dentist to determine if you’re still healthy enough for surgery.

Dentist in Issaquah showing dental implants to patient

Are You Looking for Dental Implants in Issaquah?

Before you get dental implants, dentists must look at your oral health and daily habits and determine if these replacements will genuinely benefit you. Get to restore your smile thanks to these and other dental procedures by visiting our team. Contact us today!

Everything you need for an amazing smile

The APEX Dental Care team can’t wait to see you!

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