Dental Implants are an innovative treatment for replacing missing teeth. They provide you with a terrific alternative to conventional dentures and bridges. The implants, composed of tiny titanium posts, are surgically inserted into your jaw to provide anchors for replacement teeth. They can be used to treat different patients with diverse needs. At Radiant Dental Care in Pasadena, TX, we can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants.

To be eligible for dental implants, you must meet the following qualifications:

Adult Patient

Dental implants are not recommended for children or teens with permanent tooth loss. This is because the jawbone is still forming and developing. Implants are ideal for adult patients, and their age is no bar as long as they meet the other requirements.

Medically Fit

Dental implants treatment involves surgery. Hence to be cleared for the surgery, you have to be in a medically good condition. Protracted health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can impact your eligibility. However, if you have one of these conditions, they can be controlled before the implant procedure.

Besides your general health, your oral health also plays a role. If you have any oral health conditions such as periodontal disease or cavities, they will have to be treated first. Otherwise, your risks for infections and implant failure increase considerably.

Healthy Jawbone

The condition of your jawbone plays a vital role in your candidacy for implants because that’s where the implants will be inserted to secure your replacement teeth. However, tooth loss causes your jawbone to weaken and lose bone mass. In case your jawbone is too weak, a bone graft may be recommended.

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone material from another area of your body or a well-suited donor to the weak areas of your jawbone. Once healed from this surgery, the implant process can begin.

Does Not Drink or Smoke

Alcohol consumption can affect the ability of your blood to clot, which can create issues during surgery. Smoking and other tobacco products can affect oxygen in your blood and slow your blood flow. This could slow the healing process, which dramatically increases your risk of infections.

Alcohol and tobacco do not automatically disqualify you from getting implants. You will just be advised to quit these habits before surgery, at least for the duration of your treatment.

Contact Radiant Dental Care in Pasadena, TX, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Deborah Sprott to determine if you meet the criteria for having a dental implant. You can reach us at (281) 991-6530.