The ideal candidate for dental implants is a non-smoker, has healthy gums, and has sufficient bone density in their jaw to support an implant. But you don’t have to be the “perfect candidate” to request a consultation with Dr. Yun.
Even if you don’t qualify for full-sized implants, we may be able to place mini dental implants to restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Here’s what candidates for the tend to have in common.
Non-Smokers
Do you smoke or otherwise use tobacco products? If so, you’re not the best candidate for the dental implant procedure. That’s because there’s a connection between your oral health and the rest of your body. When you smoke, you increase the risk of the tooth implant not fusing properly to your jawbone. People who smoke may also heal more slowly after the dental implant procedure.
Healthy Gums
It’s important to understand that the condition of both your teeth and gums ultimately affect oral health. If you have receding gums due to advanced periodontal disease, you may not be a candidate for the dental implant procedure. This is because teeth are more likely to fall out when they’re no longer supported by gums. The ideal candidate for the dental implant procedure has healthy gums.
Sufficient Bone Density in the Jaw
You’ll need to have sufficient bone density in your jaw so we can place the tooth implant. However, our dentist may recommend mini dental implants if you don’t have enough healthy jawbone tissue to support a full-sized tooth implant. While full-sized dental implants are between 3.4 and 5.8 mm wide, are only 1.8 to 3.0 mm in diameter.
A mini dental implant has a ball at the end so your tooth replacement can snap into place. The crown that gives you the look of a natural tooth will have a socket underneath to create a secure attachment with the implant. Mini dental implants can be placed in one appointment.
Good Oral Hygiene
The better you take care of your smile, the longer your dental implants are likely to last. To help your dental implants last for years, you’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. You’ll also need to see our dental implant dentist at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral examination. We closely monitor the condition of your dental implants so they last for years to come.
Request an Appointment With Us
If you have any other questions about dental implants, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. Our team would be more than happy to help you plan your next steps on your journey to better oral health.
Dr. Suk Jun Yun is a dental implant dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, who has experience with helping patients restore their smiles after tooth loss. To request an appointment with the NorthPointe Family Dental & Implant Center, call (616) 288-6134.
This blog post has been updated.