Living with missing or damaged teeth can be both embarrassing and difficult. Dental implants can transform the look of your smile and the quality of your life. If you have one or more missing teeth you may be considering dental implants. Living without a tooth can lead to a number of issues that will cause even more problems in the future. You can avoid the residual issues that come from having a missing tooth by getting it replaced with a dental implant. If you are a good candidate for dental implants you can enjoy the lifelong benefits that come with this permanent tooth replacement option. But how do you tell if you are a good candidate for dental implants? The condition of your gums, jaw bone, and the opinion of your dentist will all come into play when deciding if dental implants are the best choice in your situation. 

Your gums are healthy

One of the factors that plays a role in your ability to get dental implants is the condition of your gums. Gums that are diseased can lead to problems with your teeth and overall health. In fact, gum disease is one potential cause for tooth loss. You will not be a good candidate for dental implants until your gums are in good condition. The good news is that gum disease is often treatable. Have your dentist look at the condition of your gums in order to determine if they are healthy enough for implants or if some type of intervention can get them to the condition where implants are an option.

You have not experienced significant bone loss

Dental implants are placed below your gums and into the bone of your jaw. In order to be a good candidate for dental implants you must have a certain amount of jaw bone remaining for the posts to be implanted into. Unfortunately, when you lose teeth it accelerates the deterioration of the bone in your jaw. Many people with tooth loss also have bone loss – especially if the teeth have been missing for an extended period of time. The only way to determine if you have enough bone remaining for implants is to see your dentist. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine the current condition of your jaw bone. If you have experienced significant bone loss there are other options for tooth replacement that you can discuss with your dentist.

Your dentist recommends them

If your dentist recommends that you get dental implants then that is an indication that you may be a good candidate for the procedure. Getting dental implants is a multi-step process so your dentist will make the final call on your candidacy after an in-depth examination and consultation.

If you are considering dental implants it is a good idea to involve your dentist in the process right away. You can do in-depth research on the topic but ultimately will not know for sure if you qualify until you have been examined. If you are looking for a dentist who has experience helping patients with dental implants, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rubel at Coral West Dental.