Dental Implant Candidacy
At Weston Dental Specialists

If you are interested in replacing your missing or damaged teeth, dental implant candidacy is probably a topic that you have pondered yourself. To answer this query, we have compiled this list of critical information about dental implant candidacy. Read on to discover what makes a good candidate and what patients can do if they are less preferred candidates.

Preferred Dental Implant Candidates

Besides missing one or more teeth and wanting to replace them, a good dental implant candidate usually has the following traits:

• Be willing to follow your doctor’s directions closely after surgery.
• Have sufficient jawbone density.
• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Have good overall health.
• Possess excellent oral health.

Why Is Good Overall Health Important For Dental Implant Patients?

As with most patients considering surgery, overall health is a primary concern. The reason for this is that health issues like uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, smoking, alcoholism, or periodontal disease can negatively impact the fusion of your dental implant to the jawbone. This means that additional steps may be required before, during, or after your dental implant placement. This also means that it is essential to let your dental implant provider know about your medical history, any prescription medications you are currently taking, and any other health concerns that you currently have or anticipate having in the future. That way you and the dental implants team can appropriately plan for your treatment.

What Makes Some Patients Less Desirable Candidates?

Most doctors do not immediately rule out patients for dental implant placement if they do not have the above characteristics. However, some traits require further patient evaluation. Here are some of the characteristics that would necessitate further patient scrutiny:

• Young patients with jawbones that have not finished growing
• Pregnant women
• Patients who smoke heavily
• Patients who have substance abuse issues
• Patients who have recently gone through cancer treatment
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes
• Hemophiliacs
• Patients with connective-tissue diseases
• Patients with immune system deficiencies or a suppressed immune system
• Patients who grind or clench their teeth

What Methods Improve Your Candidacy?

Being a less preferred candidate does not immediately prevent patients from getting dental implants. It means that patients will usually need further evaluation and possible supplemental procedures to prepare their mouth for oral surgery. So if you are contemplating getting dental implants, put yourself in the best position for success by practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation with Weston Dental Specialists as soon as possible.

Why Your Consultation Is So Important

You may not know it, but your initial consultation is very important in the overall plan for your tooth replacement. This appointment allows your provider to make a careful and detailed plan for your oral health that ensures the best chance for your good health, implant success, and overall satisfaction with your treatment. To achieve all this, your initial evaluation includes an examination of your mouth and teeth and a comprehensive review of your medical and dental histories. X-rays and CAT scans may also be taken to allow for a more detailed view of the bone in your jaw, the nerves, and sinuses.

After all of your measurements have been taken, you and your provider will talk about the procedure itself, the potential costs, and any possible complications that could happen. After all this, we will work with you to develop the treatment plan that is best for your needs and preferences. Still have questions? Please feel free to check out the rest of our specially designed infosite.

Contact The Dental Implant Professionals At Weston Dental Specialists

If you do not fall into the well-qualified candidate’s category, this does not mean you cannot get dental implants. This simply means that further analysis of your health condition, goals, and anatomy may be needed before we can make any further decisions or schedule your procedure. Weston Dental Specialists is here to help. If you live in the Weston, MA area, call us now for a consultation and we can help you determine if dental implants are right for you. If you live in the Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Wellesley, Wayland, Natick, or Sudbury areas, we would love to hear from you too!