The most common treatment to replace missing teeth is through dental implants. Dental implants have a natural appearance and improve function for many years. If you are considering dental implants in Grande Prairie, one of your main concerns might be, “Who is a good candidate for a dental implant?” The decision whether to have a dental implant is dependent on several considerations, including, but not limited to, the patient’s age, oral health, and any applicable overall medical concerns.
Age Considerations for Dental Implants
A common question we get from patients is, “What age is too young for dental implants?”
- Dental implants are recommended for adults with fully developed jaws.
- Inserting implants too young, before the jaw is done growing, leads to problems
- There is no hard and fast lower age limit, but most candidates for dental implants are teenagers or older.
Additionally, there is worry about a dental implant age limitation. There are no strict upper age limits; however, patient health and bone density are more important than age. Most elderly patients can receive implants if their health and oral condition are good.
Health Considerations and Dental Implant Eligibility
Another important consideration for determining dental implant eligibility is your overall health. Certain medical conditions can impact healing and the ultimate success of an implant. Consider the following conditions:
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Immune System Disorders
- Osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions
- Smoking or Tobacco Use
A complete consultation with the dentist in Grande Prairie will ensure that your medical history will be reviewed and risk factors will be managed.
Gum Health and Dental Implants
For a dental implant to be successful over time, healthy gums are important. Gum health is important in relation to dental implants because of the following issues:
- Gum disease can lead to infection around the site of the implant.
- You need enough gum tissue to support the implant.
- If you have gum issues, those may need to be taken care of prior to placing an implant.
Your dentist at the dental clinic near you will recommend some procedures that would be beneficial to your gum health before surgery for the implant, making sure you have a good foundation for your new teeth.
Other Factors Affecting Dental Implant Success
In addition to age and health, a variety of other factors influence who qualifies for dental implants:
- Bone density: The jawbone must have adequate density in order to hold an implant securely. Patients with low bone density may require bone grafting before receiving their dental implants.
- Hygiene habits in the mouth: It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene in order to avoid infection and to maximize the life expectancy of the implants.
- Lifestyle considerations: Factors like smoking or poor diet may have a negative impact on healing an implant, therefore reducing its likelihood of success.
After these factors are taken into consideration, your dental provider is equipped to develop a customized treatment plan that will give you the best chance of success.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants provide many benefits compared to other options for replacing missing teeth:
- Natural look, better self-confidence
- Durability when properly maintained
- Ability to chew, eat, and speak normally
- Maintenance of the jawbone and facial structure
Knowing the criteria for being eligible for implants allows the dental team to safely and effectively place implants as an option for patients, giving them a reliable, long-term option for missing teeth.
Take the Next Step
If you want to get your smile back and are looking for dental implants, contact Cobblestone Dental any day of the week to book a consultation! Our experienced team will help you to enjoy a beautiful and healthy confident smile once again.
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