If you are experiencing tooth loss or have had a tooth extracted, you may be considering getting corrective dental procedures, such as dental implants. Before doing so, however, a dentist will need to assess your mouth to ensure you are a candidate for your new smile. Many factors can influence this and are discussed below.​

Understanding Dental Implant Candidacy

Dental implants offer a reliable and long-lasting option for restoring your smile, but not everyone is an ideal candidate. A thorough assessment of your overall health, bone density, and daily habits is key to determining if implants are right for you. Understanding who qualifies—and who may not—can help guide your next steps. For more insight into the advantages of this treatment, visit Why Should I Consider A Dental Implant to Replace My Missing Tooth?

The Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Sufficient bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues with no signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

If you are showing visible signs of gum disease, including swollen, red, tender, and bleeding gums, you may need to visit a dental specialist who focuses on treating gum disease, known as a periodontist. This is particularly important before potentially becoming a great candidate for dental implants.

A key factor in the long-term success of dental implants is having a strong and healthy jawbone. This solid foundation is essential because the implant must be securely anchored into the bone to withstand the pressure and movement caused by everyday activities like chewing. Without sufficient bone support, the implant may fail to integrate properly and could eventually become loose or unstable.

Candidates who are dedicated to oral hygiene are excellent candidates for implants. Flossing, brushing, and using a good mouthwash several times a day help remove plaque, which in turn protects the patient against infection during the implant procedure. Visits to a dentist twice yearly for routine checkups also make for good candidates.

Additional traits of an ideal dental implant candidate include:

• Non-smokers or individuals willing to quit smoking during healing
• Individuals with realistic expectations about the timeline and care required
• Those not suffering from uncontrolled medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
• People who understand and are willing to follow through with proper implant aftercare

If you're looking for a long-lasting way to regain confidence in your smile and protect your oral health, dental implants might be the right choice for you. They offer a natural-looking, durable solution for missing teeth, helping you eat, speak, and smile with ease. To explore whether implants are the right fit, visit our blog page Dental Implants Complete Your Smile Resolution, for more insights.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

While many individuals are eligible, certain factors can limit candidacy for dental implants, making it important for patients to understand these considerations when planning their oral health journey.

Dental implants may not be the right option for you if certain health conditions, lifestyle factors, or oral health concerns are present:

• You have severe gum disease: Active periodontal disease can weaken the foundation required for implants.
• You lack adequate jawbone density: A dental implant cannot securely anchor in place without sufficient bone density. In such cases, a bone graft may be required to build up the jawbone and create a stable foundation before moving forward with the implant procedure.
• You smoke heavily: Smoking significantly impairs healing, increasing the risk of implant failure. You may not be an ideal candidate if you're unwilling to quit.
• You have poorly controlled chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases can interfere with healing.
• You’ve undergone recent radiation therapy to the head or neck: This can affect bone healing and implant integration.
• You practice poor oral hygiene: Implants require a long-term commitment to oral care.
• You’re underage: Dental implants are typically not recommended for individuals whose jawbone has not fully developed.

Still, modern dental technology has made it possible for many patients who were once considered poor candidates to receive successful implant treatment with proper preparatory procedures.

About The Procedure

A dentist will evaluate your oral health and assess your candidacy for dental implants. There are various types of implant options that a dentist will consider for your treatment plan. These can include:

• Replacing a Single Tooth: If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it.
• Implant-Supported Bridges: These can replace several teeth if they are missing or damaged.
• Implant-Supported Full Bridge or Full Denture: These can replace all of your teeth if they are missing or damaged.

The process of placing dental implants typically involves several stages:

1. Consultation and Planning: Your dentist will review your medical history, take digital images, and evaluate your bone density.
2. Surgical Placement of the Implant: A titanium post is inserted into the jawbone to act as the artificial root.
3. Healing Period (Osseointegration): Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone.
4. Abutment Placement: Once healed, a small connector (abutment) is placed on top of the implant.
5. Crown Attachment: A custom-made crown is attached to the abutment, completing your new tooth.

Throughout the process, it's important to maintain excellent oral hygiene to support healing and long-term success.

Contact Us!

Schedule a consultation today by calling our new patient line at (847) 348-8673 to discuss your questions and get started with dental implants! We invite you to meet our experienced and friendly doctors at Schaumburg Dental Studio!