Key Takeaways
- Ideal candidates must have sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, and no active gum disease or tooth decay present.
- Good general health is essential, as conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or certain medications can affect implant success.
- Adults with fully developed jawbones are the best candidates, while children and young adults may need to wait until bone development is complete.
- Non-smokers have higher success rates, and patients must commit to proper aftercare and maintaining excellent oral hygiene.
- Bone grafting, sinus lifts, or ridge augmentation can help patients who lack sufficient bone density become eligible for implants.
Are You a Dental Implant Candidate in Hilliard?
While dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacements today, not everyone may qualify for treatment. Ideal candidates for dental implants are in optimal oral health, with no indications of tooth decay or periodontal disease present in the mouth or remaining teeth. Additionally, they don’t suffer from bone loss and have enough jawbone density to secure the implant firmly.
To learn more about your candidacy for dental implants, contact our Hilliard, OH, dentist today by scheduling an appointment at (614) 771-6060. Our dental practice near you welcomes new and returning patients from Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding areas in Ohio.
Determining Candidacy for Dental Implants
Our Hilliard dentist will evaluate several factors to determine if you qualify for dental implants. These factors may include:
- Sufficient bone density: Dental implants require a certain amount of bone density to provide a stable foundation. Our dentist may use X-rays or a CT scan to evaluate the amount of bone in your jaw.
- Healthy gums: Healthy gums are important for the success of a dental implant. Your dentist may evaluate your gum tissue for signs of periodontal disease or other issues.
- Good health: Your overall health can impact your ability to receive dental implants. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or certain medications may affect your ability to undergo a dental implant procedure.
- Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is important. Your dentist may evaluate your brushing and flossing habits and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Age: Age may be a factor in determining if you qualify for dental implants. Children and young adults may not have fully developed jawbones, which can affect the success of implants.
- Financial Considerations: Dental implants can be costly, and insurance coverage may vary. Patients should discuss the financial aspects of the procedure with their dentist.
- Medications: Patients on certain medications, especially bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis, may have a higher risk of complications. Our dentist will review the patient’s medication history.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the dental implant procedure. Dental implants can provide excellent results, but they may not be suitable for every individual or situation.
- Commitment to Aftercare: Patients need to understand that dental implants require a recovery period and proper aftercare. This includes following post-operative instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and maintaining oral hygiene.
- Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact the success of dental implants. Patients who smoke may be asked to quit or significantly reduce smoking before and after the procedure.
Supplemental Procedures
While dental implants are a highly effective restorative procedure for missing teeth, some people may need to undergo supplemental procedures before starting treatment.
These procedures include:
- Bone Grafting: If you have lost a significant amount of jawbone, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the jawbone before the implant can be placed.
- Sinus Lift: If you’re missing upper back teeth, a sinus lift may be necessary to raise the sinus floor and make room for the implant.
- Ridge Augmentation: If the area where the implant is needed is too narrow or has a shallow ridge, ridge augmentation may be necessary to build up the area and provide a stable foundation for the implant.
Know Your Other Tooth Replacement Options
If you’re not a dental implant candidate, there are options for replacing missing teeth. Restorations such as traditional dentures or dental bridges may be better suited for your needs. Contact our dentist today to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
No, those with active gum disease or an untreated oral infection won’t be good candidates for dental implants. The implant placement procedure requires a healthy jawbone and gums, so any active gum infections or diseases must be treated before the tooth implant can be placed.
Can I get dental implants in Hilliard if I’m a smoker?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure and complications, so our Hilliard practice strongly recommends quitting before implant surgery. Smokers have higher rates of infection, poor healing, and implant failure compared to non-smokers. Many of our Columbus-area patients successfully quit smoking before treatment – we can provide resources and support to help you quit and improve your implant success rate.
Who is not a candidate for dental implants?
Individuals with systemic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain autoimmune disorders may be at an increased risk for implant complications and infections. Similarly, those suffering from osteoporosis or taking medications for bone deterioration may also have a higher likelihood of implant complications.
What if I don’t have enough bone for dental implants in central Ohio?
Don’t worry – insufficient bone density doesn’t automatically disqualify you from implants. Our Hilliard practice offers several solutions, including bone grafting, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentation, to build up your jawbone. These supplemental procedures can make you a candidate for implants even if you initially lack sufficient bone. Many of our Columbus-area patients successfully receive implants after these preparatory treatments.
Determine Your Dental Implant Candidacy Today
Do you think dental implants are the best treatment for you? For those living in Hilliard, contact our dentist today at (614) 771-6060 to schedule your appointment. We’ll guide you through the treatment steps and see if you qualify for dental implants.
We welcome new and returning patients from Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Westerville, and surrounding areas in Ohio.
