A missing tooth can affect more than just your smile. It can make eating your favorite foods difficult and chip away at your confidence. Dental implants change that. They’re a long-lasting solution that looks, feels, and functions just like a real tooth. But, like any important health decision, being prepared is the key to success.
The great news is that many people are excellent candidates for dental implants, even if they aren’t right away. With a little preparation, you could be on your way to a restored smile.
At Westside Dental Center in Plantation, FL, Dr. Uttma Dham has extensive experience placing dental implants. She has successfully placed over 100 dental implants using skill, experience, and patient-centered care to restore your smile. She and her team will guide you through every step to ensure you get the best possible results. Let’s explore what it takes to become a candidate.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Think of a dental implant as a new artificial tooth root. For it to be successful, it needs a healthy foundation to support it. Dr. Dham looks for three key things to determine if implants are right for you.
1. You Have One or More Missing Teeth
Dental implants are incredibly versatile. Whether you are missing a single tooth, several teeth in a row, or even all of your teeth, implants can provide a solution. For a single tooth, one implant and a crown can fill the gap. For multiple teeth, a few strategically placed implants can support a bridge or a secure denture.
Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or feel bulky, implant-supported teeth are anchored firmly in your jaw. This gives you the freedom to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence, without worrying about your teeth moving.
2. You Have Enough Jawbone to Support the Implant
Your jawbone is the foundation for your new tooth. The implant post, which acts like a tooth root, needs strong, healthy bone to fuse with. A process called osseointegration.
If you’ve had a missing tooth for a while, you may have experienced some bone loss in that area. The jawbone naturally shrinks when it no longer has a tooth root to support. Don’t worry if this is the case!
This doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Dr. Dham may recommend a minor procedure called a bone graft. This involves adding bone grafting material to the area to build up a solid base for the implant. It’s a common and highly successful first step that makes implant treatment possible for many patients.
3. You Have Good Overall Oral Health
Healthy gums and any remaining teeth are crucial for the long-term success of your implants. We need to make sure your mouth is a healthy environment for healing.
- Gum Health: Active gum disease (periodontitis) can threaten the stability of an implant. If you have gum disease, Dr. Dham will recommend treatment to get it under control before moving forward with implants.
- Tooth Health: Any existing issues, like cavities or infection, will need to be treated first. This ensures that your entire mouth is healthy and ready to support your new smile.
Getting Your Smile Ready: The Preparation Process
If you meet the basic criteria, the next step is to prepare your mouth for the procedure. This preparation is all about setting you up for a smooth surgery and a quick recovery.
Step 1: The Comprehensive Dental Evaluation
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Dham will thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. She will also take advanced 3D scans or X-rays. These images are like a map for your treatment. They allow Dr. Dham to see the exact condition of your jawbone and plan the perfect placement for your implants. This careful planning is what leads to a comfortable, natural fit.
Step 2: Addressing Any Existing Dental Issues
A healthy mouth heals faster. If the evaluation reveals any problems like cavities, gum disease, or damaged teeth, we will take care of those first. This might involve a deep cleaning, a filling, or in some cases, an extraction. Creating a clean and healthy foundation is the best way to ensure your new implant has the greatest chance of success and will last for many years.
Step 3: Your Role in Daily Oral Care
Even before your procedure, your at-home care is vital. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily keeps the bacteria in your mouth under control. A clean mouth before surgery significantly lowers your risk of infection afterwards and helps your gums heal beautifully around your new implant.
Step 4: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Smoking and heavy alcohol use can interfere with your body’s amazing ability to heal. Nicotine, in particular, reduces blood flow, which is essential for the implant to fuse with your jawbone. We strongly encourage patients to cut back or quit smoking before and after their implant procedure. This single step can make a huge difference in how well and how quickly you heal.
You Could Be on Your Way to a Complete Smile
Becoming a candidate for dental implants is a process, and our team is here to help you through it. With proper planning and care, dental implants can be a life-changing solution, giving you back a smile that is both functional and beautiful.
If you’ve been considering dental implants, don’t let uncertainty hold you back. The first step is a simple conversation. Call Dr. Dham today at (954) 251-0640 to request an appointment at our Plantation, FL office. Let’s work together to find out if dental implants are the right key to unlocking your confident smile.