Are you wondering if dental implants could restore your smile and confidence? Missing teeth can affect more than just your smile—they impact your confidence, eating habits, and overall oral health. If you’re considering tooth replacement options, dental implants might be the solution you’re looking for. This permanent tooth replacement solution has transformed millions of lives, but determining your candidacy requires professional evaluation.
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry San Jose, we offer state-of-the-art dental implant procedures that have transformed thousands of smiles throughout California. Our board-certified specialists have extensive experience evaluating patient candidacy for dental implants. With our patient-centered approach and dental insurance-friendly policies, we strive to make tooth replacement accessible for everyone seeking a permanent solution to missing teeth.
What Factors Determine Good Candidacy for Dental Implants?
Hands down, the best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for any dental treatment or procedure is to go into your dentist’s office and have an in-person consultation. This is because we’ll review several pieces of information about your medical and dental history, provide a physical examination, and discuss how something is or isn’t a good fit.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, approximately 3 million people have dental implants in the US, and that number is increasing by about 500,000 every year. If you identify with a majority of the following statements, you are more than likely a good candidate for dental implants:
- Sufficient bone density and volume: Dental implants fuse with the jaw bone, so it’s essential to ensure your bones are strong and stable enough for the procedure.
- Good overall health status: We don’t recommend getting dental implants when you have a fever or otherwise feel ill, as this may increase the risk of infection during the healing process.
- Healthy gum tissue: If you have active gum disease, we would not recommend getting dental implants or other oral surgeries.
- Commitment to oral hygiene: Ensure you brush and floss regularly, as good oral hygiene and responsibility are necessary to ensure your implants heal correctly.
- No uncontrolled health conditions: Diabetes, specific autoimmune issues, and other chronic illnesses can all make a patient less than ideal for implant procedures. We encourage you to get these issues under control and speak with your dental provider directly to discuss alternative options.
- Good overall heart health: Patients at risk of heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke may not be ideal patients.
- Visit the dentist for regular appointments: See your dentist regularly to ensure your oral health is in great shape.
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products: Smoking can increase the risk of infection and gum disease.
Not all hope is lost if you don’t match up with these factors. Many patients can also qualify for dental implants with some planning and treatments. For instance, if you have gum disease right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t get dental implants after being properly treated. Patients with insufficient bone density may also eventually qualify for implants, especially if they’re open to bone grafting procedures.
If you have any questions about your candidacy, please contact us and schedule your consultation.
What Should You Expect During a Dental Implant Consultation?
During your initial consultation, we’ll have a comprehensive oral exam, take X-rays and digital scans if necessary, and discuss several factors related to your health and candidacy for dental implants. During this discussion, we’ll walk through your medical and dental records, surgical history, allergies, medical conditions, and how committed you are to getting the dental implants. If you would like, you’re welcome to bring notes and photos to help us understand your current situation.
Once we’ve reviewed all these essential factors, we can discuss whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If you aren’t, we can also discuss some alternative solutions, their pros and cons, and what your treatment timeline will look like.
Want Dental Implants? Contact the Center for Advanced Dentistry San Jose Today
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry San Jose, we understand deciding on dental implants is a significant step toward improving oral health and quality of life. Our board-certified specialists bring years of experience in implant dentistry, utilizing the latest techniques and technology to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. We pride ourselves on creating customized treatment plans that address your needs and concerns.
Don’t let missing teeth continue to affect your confidence and daily function. Our state-of-the-art facility provides comprehensive care in a comfortable environment, and our dental insurance-friendly policies make quality implant treatment accessible. To determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants, contact us at (408) 512-3144 or through our contact form.