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Choosing dental implants as your tooth restoration of choice is just the first step. The next important step is to seek out a dental implant provider that you’re compatible with and learn more about how ready you are for implants. Dr. David Forlano welcomes you to visit our office and consult with him, in order to make an educated decision. Take a look at some common traits of good implant candidates and others who may need additional treatments prior to implant placement.
What Makes a Good Candidate?
A Need for Implants: Patients must express a need for dental implants, meaning that they must be missing one or more teeth. A patient may also be at risk for losing teeth, or may need teeth extractions.
Good Oral Health: Despite their missing teeth, a patient must be in relatively good oral health to obtain implants. Rampant tooth decay, gum disease, or side effects of smoking can prevent the implant from healing properly.
Understanding the Process: Dental implants are a long-lasting, highly reputable solution for tooth loss, but they are not instant. The process takes time, and requires a commitment lasting a few months. But once the implant process has been finished, patients have reported loving the new benefits of their implants.
Jawbone and Gum Tissue Support: Like the foundation for a house, a dental implant needs a foundation to be secured to. That foundation is jawbone, so it’s vital that a patient have this strong foundation of jawbone to support their implant.
What Does Not Make a Good Candidate?
Unfortunately, there are some patients who may not be eligible for dental implants right away. If you fall under one of these categories, remember that you are not barred from dental implants. Instead, you may need some time or prior treatments before pursuing dental implants again.
- Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during the course of their implant treatment may be advised to wait until after their baby is born
- Compromising Medical Conditions: Medical conditions including hemophilia, immunodeficiency disorders, and certain medical histories are advised to ask their doctor before pursuing dental implants.
- Smoking and Alcoholism: Tobacco and alcohol slow the blood flow to the jawbone, so during this healing process, the implant site would not be getting the blood flow it needs. For this reason, it will be recommended that patients break the habit or forgo these indulgences until long after their recovery.
How To Improve Your Candidacy
As we said before, even if you fall under one of the less ideal candidate pools, this does not mean that you can never have dental implants. Instead, a few steps may need to be taken in order to better prepare you for implants in the future.
- Bone and Gum Graft: A bone or gum graft can help replenish lost or depleted tissue that are sorely needed for the foundation of a dental implant.
- Break Some Bad Habits: If you are a heavy smoker or frequently drink alcohol, it’s recommended that you break these habits for the sake of your implant.
- Improved Oral Care: Sometimes, all it takes is some improvement in brushing and flossing to prepare the rest of your mouth for dental implants. This will reduce your odds of tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Contact Us About Your Candidacy
Take that first step towards your dental implants by contacting our office here in Suffolk County, NY. We’ll be happy to set up a consultation between you and Dr. Forlano and are prepared to answer any and all questions. Take a look at our FAQ page for more information on this unique treatment.
