If you’re considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, you’re in good company. With a success rate reported at 98%, it’s not surprising over 500,000 Americans are choosing this option every year. There are many reasons why this procedure is growing in demand that implants look and function much like natural teeth. In fact, they are also stronger, impervious to decay and hardly wear down. Unlike bridges or dentures, they prevent the loss of facial bone structure by stimulating the natural action of teeth, keeping the jawbone strong and healthy. They are not reliant on the teeth adjacent to them, so natural teeth don’t have to be cut down as they would in bridge procedures.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

If dental implants sound like the right tooth replacement option for you, the next step is to see if you are able to go through the procedure. Because this is a surgical procedure, there are several requirements that need to be met:

• Good general health: Health issues that may cause complications during the procedure may disqualify you as a candidate. This includes: people who have recently had serious heart attacks, uncontrolled heart disease, are currently undergoing cancer treatments or treatments that suppress the immune system, amongst others.
• Good oral health: Whilst poor oral health can disqualify you from the dental implant procedure, it is more likely to simply delay the process. For example, issues such as periodontal disease will have to be dealt with before you can proceed with the implant process.
• Smoking, drug use and alcohol abuse can cause implant failure.
• Age: Implant procedures aren’t recommended for anyone younger than 18, as their jawbone will still be growing. If there is any doubt, an x-ray can confirm it is safe to proceed.

Your dentist can help you determine if implants are right for you! If you have any questions about the dental implant procedure itself, the cost or recovery time, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Distinctive Dentistry in Tacoma, Washington today.