Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent dental restoration consisting of anchors that integrate with the jawbone to provide a strong, stable base. Customized crowns, or sometimes brdiges or dentures, are attached to the implant to complete the restoration process.

Here at Nunn Family Dentistry, our dentist, Dr. Clay Nunn, offers a variety of dental restoration options. Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth, and for good reason. Dental implants are incredibly durable, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. 

If you’re considering dental implants, here’s how to tell if you’re a good candidate for this form of dental restoration. 

Good overall health

Having good general health is important when undergoing treatment for dental implants. Uncontrolled or poorly managed chronic conditions like diabetes can cause complications and interfere with healing after the procedure. 

Sufficient jaw bone volume

The jawbone plays a crucial role in supporting an implant, so to be a good candidate, you need adequate jawbone density. Without enough strong bone to secure the implant, the anchor will fail. Lacking jawbone density doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants though. A bone graft can help strengthen the foundation so that the implant fuses successfully. 

However, even with a bone graft, there needs to be enough natural jawbone tissue. Dr. Nunn will evaluate your jawbone density and discuss options. 

Healthy gums

Healthy gums are necessary for proper healing and to prevent tooth loss. Every patient who visits Nunn Family Dentistry receives a comprehensive dental evaluation. If you have gum disease and are interested in a dental implant, Dr. Nunn creates a treatment plan to address your gum disease and increase your chance of being able to get the implant. 

Good oral hygiene

Dental implants are strong and durable, but you still need to have a commitment to good oral hygiene. Proper ongoing care is necessary to keep your implants in tip-top shape. This means brushing, flossing, and visiting us for regular checkups. 

Do lifestyle habits impact candidacy for dental implants?

Smoking is the most common lifestyle habit that affects whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Smoking has a negative impact on your oral health. It increases the risk of tooth loss and raises the likelihood of dental implant failure. For this reason, candidates for dental implants must quit smoking to have the best chance of a successful dental implant.

Does taking medication affect dental implant candidacy?

Certain medications can cause complications with dental implants. For example, certain osteoporosis medications are associated with death of jawbone tissue, which can cause the implant to fail. 

There are certain antibiotics that also increase the risk of implant failure, so talk to Dr. Nunn about the medications and supplements you’re taking. 

Choosing dental restoration with dental implants

Scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Nunn is the first step to finding out if you’re a good candidate for a dental implant. If Dr. Nunn determines a dental implant isn’t an appropriate option for you, he works with you to determine the best option for replacing your tooth. 

To get started, schedule your consultation by calling our office in Tomball, Texas, or booking your request online today.