Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Implant dentistry has made it possible for thousands of people to replace missing teeth and fully restore the health, function, and aesthetics of their mouths. While the treatment is the next best thing to having one’s own natural teeth, it is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. Are you a good candidate for dental implants? Read on to find out.

First and foremost, a good candidate for dental implants will be missing one or more of his or her natural teeth, or have a tooth or teeth that are so beyond salvaging that they need to be replaced. Good candidates for implant dentistry will also:

• Have sufficient jawbone to support the titanium implant posts (patients without sufficient bone mass may be able to undergo a bone grafting procedure)
• Be patient, as the process by which the dental implants fuse with the jawbone requires several months
• Be in good overall health, as the placement of dental implants is an invasive surgical procedure
• Understand that dental implants are relatively expensive and not covered by most dental insurance plans (though third-party financing may be available)
• Be committed to maintaining a good oral hygiene regiment after the placement of the dental implants

Most people who wish to use dental implants to support a dental crown, dental bridge, or set of dentures are suitable candidates for dental implants. To find out whether you are a good candidate for the treatment, please contact implant dentist Jose Valenzuela, Jr., at the Dental Implant Center, serving Palm Springs, Yuma, and the Imperial Valley.