Who is a candidate for dental implants
A candidate for dental implants typically meets the following criteria:
1. General Health
- Good overall health: Candidates should be healthy enough to undergo minor oral surgery.
- Non-smoker: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
- No uncontrolled medical conditions: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or autoimmune diseases may affect healing.
2. Oral Health
- Healthy gums: Gum disease (periodontitis) must be treated before implant placement.
- Sufficient bone density: Adequate jawbone is necessary to support the implant. Bone grafting may be an option for those with insufficient bone.
3. Age and Development
- Adults: Jawbone development must be complete, typically around 18-21 years of age.
- Older adults: Age is not a limiting factor as long as health conditions allow for surgery.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
- Candidates must commit to maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
5. Tooth Replacement Needs
- Ideal for replacing one or more missing teeth or providing stability for dentures.
Special Considerations
- Pregnancy: It’s best to postpone dental implant surgery during pregnancy.
- Certain medications: Medications like bisphosphonates for osteoporosis may affect bone healing.
- Jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism): May require a night guard to prevent implant stress.
Consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon is crucial to evaluate your unique situation, including a detailed medical and dental history, X-rays, and possibly a CT scan to assess bone structure.
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