Who Can Get Dental Implants?

While dental bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures are all viable options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the restorations preferred by both experts and patients. This is due to several factors. Implants are very stable, meaning they will not slip when eating or speaking. They also work to reverse the negative effects of tooth loss, such as resorbed jaw bone tissue and altered facial structure.

Despite their overwhelming benefits, dental implants are not perfect for everyone. The best candidates for dental implants are those who:

•    Have otherwise prefect oral and overall health
•    Have sufficient jaw bone density
•    Or are willing and able to undergo a bone grafting to create sufficient jaw bone density
•    Are able to endure a lengthy healing process

Pre-existing oral health issues, such as gum disease, will need to be addressed prior to a restorative procedure such as this one. Your implants dentist will inform you about the length of the healing process, which typically lasts about nine months. A temporary crown will be placed during this time in order to create the appearance of a full and healthy tooth. Those who are not able to endure this process, or simply do not wish to, may be candidates for Subperiosteal implants, which are inserted into the gums, but not the jaw bone.