If you are missing teeth, then you may know how they impact you every day. From feeling self-conscious about your smile to having trouble eating, you might’ve looked into replacement options. Out of all the ones out there, dental implants may have stood out. They have many benefits, but not everyone can get them right away. You will need a consultation to ensure you’re a good candidate. Here are three qualities your dentist will look for during this visit.
1.) Have Good Overall Health
Starting broadly, your provider will want to make sure your overall well-being is good. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, can cause complications when they are unmanaged. They can slow down your healing and affect your recovery. Try your best to keep them under control and be open with your dentist about your medical history; that way, they can better prepare and lead you to a successful treatment.
2.) Keep Up with Your Oral Health
Your oral health is just as important since implants are placed in your mouth. Your dentist will want to make sure you don’t have any underlying dental problems like gum disease or decay beforehand.
Afterward, they will want to get a sense of your oral hygiene. While the tooth replacement can’t get cavities, bacteria can still attack the supporting structures. By starting to be diligent about brushing and flossing twice a day, you can help make your mouth a healthier foundation.
You might also want to consider breaking bad dental habits. Using tobacco can not only increase your risk of gum disease but also slow down healing and lead to jawbone loss. Using your teeth as tools can also be risky, as it can damage not only your natural teeth but the implant as well.
3.) Your Jawbone is Dense Enough
Last but not least, your dentist will also look at your jawbone density. This is one of the most important considerations as dental implants are placed into your jaw. A post is inserted into the bone, and they fuse with each other over several months. Once it’s healed, your tooth replacement will be sturdy and reliable.
While some patients have a dense enough jawbone right away, others may not. If you fall into the group that doesn’t, then don’t feel too discouraged. You may be able to get a bone graft, which can rebuild your jaw in the parts that need it most. That way, you can become a better candidate.
The only way to know if you can get implants is through a consultation. By talking to your dentist, they can do an oral assessment and take X-rays to see what needs to be done to get you to a full smile once again.
About the Practice
At Smile by Design of Virginia Beach, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your grin. We are here to help the local community with their missing teeth by offering reliable treatment options like dental implants. By working with local specialists, we can help make sure you are a good candidate and give you expert care every step of the way. If you have any questions about this tooth replacement, schedule an appointment or call our office at (757) 499-9639.