Ask a Dentist: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental Implants Irvine, CA

If you are missing at least one or more teeth, you may qualify as a candidate for dental implants. Dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. Having missing teeth can harm your oral health, and untreated tooth loss can interrupt your chewing ability and even affect the structure of your mouth. If you are unsure if you are a suitable candidate, let's look at the requirements.

5 things to look for in a good implant candidate

As a general rule, some characteristics make a person a good candidate for dental implants. Here are some of those factors: 

  • Good oral health. Gums and teeth should be in good oral health
  • Good bone density. You should have a strong bone density to support the dental implants
  • Good oral hygiene. You should have a good regimen of good oral hygiene
  • Nonsmoker or quitting smoking
  • Having patience to trust the process. The process from start to finish can take up to 12 months to be fully healed

Why do you have missing teeth?

Your dentist or oral surgeon will want to learn more about why your teeth are missing. If your gums show signs of gum disease, this may disqualify you for implant placement until it is healed. If you do not have good oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at least two times daily, this may disqualify you.

Jaw and bone health is important

Having good bone density and support is important for being a good candidate for dental implants. Having a good bone structure can help to support the implant once it is placed. If the implant is not supported or reinforced by a strong bone structure, it can become loose over time just from chewing.

Multiple implant placements

When you must have multiple implants placed, your dentist may discuss further options with you should as implanted supported bridges. These bridges can help support and preserve the bone in your mouth because they will replace the natural tooth roots. They fuse with the jawbone, which can help to keep your jaw's natural bone structure intact and healthy.

When you have several teeth missing, you do not have to get individual implants placed. This is where the dental bridge comes in handy. IT helps to fill in the tooth gaps by using a bridge across the implants. This can help to improve chewing and your smile with fewer implants. It's cost-effective and secure.

Basics of a dental implant

Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into your jawbone to help replace a missing tooth root. It's not a complicated process. It will require many months to heal after the procedure and begin to bond with the bone in your jaw. After it is healed, a smaller metal post called an abutment would be connected to the implant. This will allow the implant to help hold any replacement teeth securely.

Now that you understand the basics of dental implants and what qualifies you as a good candidate for them, it may be time to consider this option for replacement teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lightbreezedental.com or call Light Breeze Dental at (949) 274-4719 for an appointment in our Irvine office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Irvine, CA.

Recent Posts

Can All My Teeth Be Replaced With Implants?

Some people simply inherit dental problems and experience them because they do not properly care for their teeth or have been involved in some type of accident. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth. Even better, implants allow your new teeth to feel,…

Are Dental Implants Safe?

There has been a lot of talk about dental implants in recent years. Dentists recommend them, and patients benefit from the results of the treatment. Implants restore the full function of the mouth and revitalize smiles. People can enjoy newfound self-esteem and the self-image and health they have been looking for. You may wonder whether…

Can I Play Sports With Dental Implants?

Dentists generally recommend dental implants as a natural choice for replacing missing teeth. If you play sports regularly, especially contact sports, you may be worried about continued participation after having your lost teeth replaced. This article covers what you need to know about playing sports with dental implants.Every sport has required skills, levels of fitness…

Get A Dental Implant Restoration After Tooth Extraction

A dental implants restoration can replace a missing tooth that falls out naturally, gets knocked out or is extracted. A dental implant restoration is often recommended after tooth extraction, as it prevents bone loss from occurring and offers cosmetic and functional benefits. There are several ways to replace a missing tooth after an extraction, including with…

Recent Posts

Key Differences Between Dentists And Orthodontists

Key Differences Between Dentists And Orthodontists

Understanding the key differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can help patients determine which specialist they need for their oral health care. While both professionals focus on maintaining and improving oral health, their roles, training, and areas of expertise differ significantly. A dentist typically handles general dental care, while an orthodontist specializes in diagnosing…

Choosing The Right Tooth Filling For You

Choosing The Right Tooth Filling For You

Without promptly getting a tooth fillings for a cavity, it can lead to other serious oral health issues, including tooth abscesses and tooth loss. Despite improvements in dental hygiene and oral care, tooth decay continues to be a major issue for children and adults alike. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the dentist regularly so…