Having missing teeth makes being confident enough to smile very difficult. It can also make chewing uncomfortable and some also have trouble speaking clearly if they have missing teeth. Many have been able to resolve these issues by getting dental implants. Dental implants are a way to replace those missing teeth and give the teeth a more natural, healthy appearance. However, there are certain criteria that must be met before a patient can have dental implants installed. These are factors that make one a good candidate for dental implants.

Good Overall Health

Dental implant surgery requires that a patient be put under anesthesia. This means they must be in good overall health so that the surgery is not a risk. Some dental surgeons may require that a patient get a full physical exam from a family physician to ensure there are no unknown health conditions that might make the surgery too risky. Once the patient has been found to be in excellent health, they are one step closer to getting dental implants.

Healthy Gums

The patient must also not be suffering from any type of gum disease or gum infection. The base of the implants must be placed under the gum tissue and attached to the jawbone. If the gums are not healthy, getting dental implants can lead to the infection or disease spreading to the jawbone which may cause even more severe health issues.

Good Jawbone Structure

The condition of the jawbone can also determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. The jawbone must be sturdy enough to hold the base of the implant which must be attached with dental screws. If the patient has a weak jawbone, the surgeon may need to first do reconstructive surgery on the jawbone to ensure it will hold the implants in place.

To best increase the chances of being a good candidate for dental implants, it is important to practice proper dental hygiene regularly. Even though one may have missing teeth, it is still necessary to properly care for all remaining teeth. This not only helps prevent the loss of those teeth, but it also helps keep the gums and jawbone in healthier condition so that dental implants can be installed. Regardless of how many teeth may be missing, good oral health is an extremely important part of being able to get dental implants to replace them. 

For more information on dental implants, contact a professional near you.