Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

Almost everyone has heard of dental implants. They are the method of choice to replace a missing tooth. The results can be amazing. When they are finished you cannot tell them from a natural tooth. When you get an implant it fills in the gap where your natural tooth used to be.

Dental implants are not just for the rich and famous anymore. They are for the general public now. There are some people who can be disqualified before they even begin the process. So who are these people?

Implant Rules:

- There must be adequate bone in your jaw to put the implant. If there is good bone support then there is no need for bone grafting or other options. This increases the rate of a successful implant. But if you do need extra bone the surgeon will be able to help you by using purfied powdered bone.

- No gum disease or at least have it under excellent control. Inflammation in your gums will create a situation where the gums pull away from the teeth. This would never work when waiting for an implant to heal. An infection in your mouth would transfer to the surrounding area around the implant.

- If the person has to many teeth missing and a general lack of concern about it,. This might be a good candidate for a fixed denture.They should discuss this with their dentist to get further details.

- A person going through a bad divorce or a recent death in the family. Wait until the immediate stress is over before you add to it.An emotional time is not a good choice for surgery to be done.

- Someone who cannot afford to complete the process. Explain costs and time commitment to the patient. It is important to make everything clear. You do not want them to get halfway done and have to stop.

Things That You Can do to Help

Be very honest with your dentist about what you want to accomplish. Be open about any illnesses or problems that might compromise the success of the implant. It is probably best to plan on one implant at first to see how it goes. Some people have no problems with it while others do not like it at all.

You will need to decide on either the standard steel post or the new mini posts. Both of them have their pluses and minuses. This is something you might talk to your dentist about and even research online.

One of the main qualifications to get implants is the deep desire to have them done. That willingness to do whatever it takes to get your smile back again. This alone is worth the time and money you are investing. Just stop and think of all of the days that you did not smile in the past because of your damaged teeth. Now think of how many happy smiles your future holds. This can change your life.