Dental implants have become a popular option for people who want to replace missing teeth with an option that looks natural and lasts for many years. However, not everyone is qualified for dental implants by definition. If you’re considering dental implants in Los Angeles, CA, it’s important to understand the factors that determine who qualifies for dental implants. Your periodontist in Los Angeles can help you determine if dental implants are appropriate for you.
In order to get dental implants, you need to have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant posts in your jaw. A local periodontist will evaluate your oral health, medical history, and lifestyle factors to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Having this evaluation will help maximize the chance that the dental implant will be successful and minimize the chance of complications.
Am I a Dental Implant Candidate?
There are a number of criteria you must meet and the first thing is to ask is am I a candidate for dental implants;
- Healthy Teeth and Gums: You need to have healthy gums without active periodontal disease. A place of gum infection could affect how well or how stable the implant heals.
- Bone Density: An adequate jawbone is necessary to successfully hold the implant in place. If you do not have enough adequate bone, bone grafting may be an option for you.
- Lower Health Concerns: If you have chronic health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or similar conditions, those factors can have an effect on healing and implant success. Your periodontist in Los Angeles can help you work through those conditions before your surgery.
- No Smoking or Ability to Quit: Smoking impedes healing and lowers the success of dental implants, so if you smoke you may be asked to quit prior to surgery.
- Dedication to the Maintenance of Oral Care: Your oral care habits will be important for the long term success of your dental implants, which may include regular dental visits and proper home care.
Who Should Not Get Dental Implants?
Though dental implants can be quite successful in many patients, there will be instances when dental implants are not a viable option:
- Advanced Gum Disease: If periodontal disease was not treated, it may weaken the bone and gum tissue supporting the implant, which increases the likelihood of failure.
- Certain Chronic Disease: Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases have a higher risk during the healing process.
- Heavy Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk for implant failure.
- Issues with Bone or Jaw: In certain situations, bone deficiencies may be able to be improved or made adequate, but for more significant bone loss, or issues with the jaw shape, the potential for failure is high.
How to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants
When you decide that you are interested in dental implants, the first step is to get a consultation from a periodontist in your area. Here is what usually occurs during the consultation:
- Thorough Oral Exam: To check the overall oral health condition, the periodontist will proceed with X-rays or 3D imaging, to evaluate your gums, teeth, and jawbone.
- Medical History: Your general health will be taken into consideration, as well as the medicines you are taking and the habits that could be rather dangerous.
- Personalized treatment plan: In case you are eligible to have dental implants, the periodontist will develop a treatment plan that fits your personality that includes the number of the implants you require, the type of restoration that will be placed and schedule of the procedure.
- Prepping Procedures: There are certain prepping procedures that a patient may be required to undergo prior to attending to the dentist including a bone graft or gum therapy as per their needs.
Advantages of Being an Ideal Candidate
People who qualify for dental implants typically enjoy:
- Increased dental function and chewing ability
- Improved cosmetic appearance and confidence
- More durable than dentures and bridges
- Bone preservation and stabilization to prevent bone loss.
The Bottom Line
The first step in your decision to have dental implants is understanding whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants. Speaking with a skilled periodontist, you can connect with a periodontist near you and can discuss possibilities, identify members of your team to help you by plan, and confirm or address any concerns regarding your dental health, before creating your treatment plan. You are on your way to restoring your smile, improving your confidence, and ensuring you have ongoing dental health with personal care from one of the best teams at West Los Angeles Periodontics.