Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

A dental implant is a substitute for your natural tooth’s root. A small anchor shaped like a screw, the implant is made of titanium and works by anchoring replacement teeth into your gums.

Dental implants are not for everyone. The ideal implant candidate must be in good general health, have good oral health, and will commit to routine follow-up appointments to check your oral health and the status of your dental implants.

Other factors that determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants include:

• You have sufficient jawbone. Your jawbone must be high enough and wide enough for the implant to fit. Sometimes bone grafts can add to bone height and width.
• Your jawbone is dense enough. Your jaw is made of hard bone and soft marrow. Your jaw needs enough hard bone to hold the implant in place.
• Your gums are healthy. Healthy gums will protect your jawbone and your remaining teeth from infection. Gums also heal closely around the implant, which protects your new implant, as well as your jawbone.

To determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants, you will receive a careful dental examination which assesses your:

• Jaws
• Mouth
• Teeth
• Gums
• Head

You will also be asked about your dental and medical history. Several diagnostic tests may also be administered, including blood tests and X-rays. If your jawbone is deficient, a bone graft may be required in order to receive dental implants. Most times, bone grafting is a relatively comfortable procedure, and advances in science and technology have made it more effective than ever. Many different materials are available, including your own bone.

Proven success

When a tested and proven dental implant system is used, your dental implants can have a success rate of more than 90 percent. If properly cared for, dental implants can last more than two decades—even your lifetime.

If you or a loved one is missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be a viable option for you. If you live in the Beverly Hills or Los Angeles area, please contact our office today for a free consultation by our highly qualified dental team.