Losing a tooth as an adult comes with a handful of negative consequences for your smile and health. Replacing a tooth can be important to managing those negative consequence. Replacing the roots of the tooth with an implant can help ensure that your smile remains strong and healthy. However, there are certain obstacles that may make your smile ineligible for an implant. The good news though is that most of these obstacles can be overcome in order to make sure your smile qualifies for a dental implant. This list includes some of the qualities that you and your smile should have to ensure your eligibility for a dental implant though your dentist will be the best resource on your smile’s specific needs.
Your Jaw is Strong and Healthy
Tooth loss can lead to a degradation of your jawbone’s density through a process known as bone resorption. If your jaw is in a weakened condition, it can get in the way of implant candidacy. Bone grafting may need to happen to fortify the area prior to placing the implant.
Your Smile is Old Enough
Dental implants can only be inserted into tissue that is no longer growing. For many people, their jawbone continues to develop into their 20s. There is no same age for everyone, so this is something that will need to be evaluated based on the development of your jaw tissue.
You Do Not Smoke
To make dental implant surgery successful, you will need to give up smoking for awhile if you are a smoker. For the sake of your overall health and the health of your smile though, quitting smoking and the use of tobacco is always a good idea.
Your Gums Are Healthy
Gum disease can be quite problematic for implants. Managing gum disease cannot only be helpful for the success of your implants, but it can be necessary to protect the rest of your smile.
Dr. Young can help determine if an implant is right for you
A dental implant can play an important role in restoring your smile. To schedule a consultation, contact us at our Lafayette, LA, dentist’s office at 337-237-6453. We proudly serve patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities.