Monthly Archives: December 2014

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are increasingly the solution of choice for adults of all ages. If you can have routine dental treatment, you are generally a good candidate for dental implants.

If you answer yes to the following questions, implants could improve your quality of life.

Are you currently wearing dentures?
Implants can replace dentures or stabilize and secure the denture to make it more comfortable.

Do you have bone loss?
Bone loss is common in people who have lost teeth or had periodontal disease. Implants can help preserve facial structure and prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

Have you been diagnosed with gum disease?
Success rates remain high for implants in patients who have lost their teeth due to periodontal disease.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should schedule a complimentary consultation with a periodontist to discuss your treatment options.

Do you have existing medical conditions including chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure?
Although precautions must be taken for certain conditions, chronic disease does not automatically make you ineligible for dental implants.

Do you smoke?
Although smoking lowers the success rate of implants, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility.

Are you a child?
Generally children are not eligible for dental implants until their jaw growth is complete. However, in some cases a dental implant may be part of a child’s orthodontic treatment plan.

When considering a dental implant, it is important to consult a specialist to determine if you are a candidate. Periodontists have additional training to help them understand the implications of both anatomy and medical history on implant success rate.