The Eligibility Criteria for Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

Posted on: 9 June 2022

Do you know what the eligibility criteria for dental implants are? If not, you're not alone. Many people don't realize that there are specific requirements to be a candidate for this type of procedure.

This article discusses the most important factors that determine if dental implants are right for you.

Amount of Bone Available

One of the most important things that dental implants require is a certain amount of bone to be present for the procedure to be a success. The implants are placed directly into the jawbone and need something to fuse to for them to be secure.

If there isn't enough bone available, a graft can sometimes be done to build up the necessary amount of support. This procedure involves taking bone from another area of the body and placing it into the jaw.

You may be wondering how your dentist can determine if you have enough bone for dental implants. They could use a few different methods, including:

  • X-rays
  • A physical examination of your mouth
  • A computed tomography (CT) scan

These tests will give your dentist a good idea of the density and height of the bone in your jaw. This way, they can determine if dental implants are a possibility for you.

Your Oral Health

Another critical factor that will be taken into consideration is your oral health. This includes things like the health of your gums and whether or not you have any teeth that need extraction.

Dental implants require a certain amount of healthy gum tissue. The tissue provides solid support for the implants and keeps them in place. So if you have gum disease, the condition will need to be treated before your dentist can place dental implants in your mouth.

In some cases, some teeth may need to be extracted before dental implants can be placed. This is typically the case if any teeth are damaged beyond repair or when there isn't enough room in the mouth for the implants.

Your Overall Body Health

In addition to your oral health, your overall body health will also be considered when determining if dental implants are right for you. Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of complications after dental implant surgery.

Some common medical conditions that may affect your eligibility for dental implants include:

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease

Diabetes can cause problems with healing, while cancer and heart disease can increase the risk of infection. So if you have a history of any of these conditions, be sure to discuss the subject with your dentist before moving forward with dental implants.

For more information on dental implants, contact a professional near you.

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