Can Anyone Get Dental Implants? Exploring Candidacy Requirements for  San Antonio Residents
San Antonio, TX

We may lose a tooth or two during our adult years, due to accidents or dental health complications. While all these might seem baffling, nothing stands a chance in front of the huge blow to confidence people experience with a missing tooth. The low self-esteem might impact every sphere of one’s life. 

While people with missing teeth might look for solutions frantically, dental implants come to their rescue. Implants work as natural teeth, offer durability, and boost one’s confidence. Since people understood how implants can benefit them, their popularity has skyrocketed.

However, one aspect of dental implants people need to consider while opting for this dental solution is not everyone qualifies for this procedure. Some vital factors decide one’s candidacy for the treatment. If you’re in the same boat, then scroll below to find out the candidacy requirements for dental implants and set realistic expectations for the best outcome. 

Let’s dive into this guide to determine eligibility and steps you can take to improve your oral health:

General Health Requirements

Placing a dental implant isn’t as simple as it sounds. It takes a lot of care to ensure the candidate has good overall health. Candidates with uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders may not be the ideal fit for this dental solution. Such health conditions make healing from the surgery of implants complicated. Undergoing routine physical exams can determine how good a candidate is for this procedure.

Gum and Bone Health

The success of dental implants lies in the candidate’s capacity to fuse the implant with the jawbone. Known as osseointegration, this fusing only happens when the candidate has a strong jaw. If a candidate struggles with the loss of bone density or weak jaws, he/she might need bone grafting before dental implants.

Age and Lifestyle Factors

While dental solutions are for everyone, the complications and invasive nature of implants make them tricky. Dentists recommend teenagers as unsuitable for implants as their jawbones are still developing. Implanting artificial teeth without the perfect base is never recommended. The growing jawbone of teenagers can shift the implant from its original place. It limits the success of this procedure. 

An implant stays with the person for at least 10-15 years. People with smoking or drinking habits need to put in efforts to stop their addiction during, after, and before implant surgery. Both of these addictions can hinder the healing process after implant placement.  

Dental History and Oral Hygiene

People can’t be dental implant candidates with untreated decay or gum infections. As long as one’s dental health is compromised, dental implants are not for them. People considering implants must invest efforts in strong oral hygiene practices for long-term implant stability.

It’s also advised to not opt for oral implants if one is suffering from conditions like osteoporosis or takes medications for chronic diseases. Consulting your dentist in San Antonio ensures a personalized health assessment and helps you find potential alternatives if needed.

There’s no denying the fact that dental implants are a complicated procedure. Scheduling a consultation with our dental office can provide clarity on your candidacy requirements for dental implants. Explore your treatment options and take the first step toward restoring your smile.