What Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Are you missing one or more teeth?

At Denti Belli Dentistry, we offer a permanent solution to restore your smile! What is it?

Dental implants are the #1 recommended tooth replacement option. Plus, the benefits go far beyond just restoring your smile.

So, is everyone a candidate for dental implants?

Unfortunately, no. There are three major requirements that you need to meet to be a good candidate for dental implants.

If you don’t check all the boxes, don’t worry. Dr. Taylor has solutions!

Let’s dive into what makes a good candidate for dental implant and see how Dr. Michele Taylor can help you smile!

The three requirements for dental implants

Generally speaking, there are three boxes you need to check off to get dental implants in Renton, WA.

We try to treat every patient as the unique individual they are, which is why we welcome the opportunity to meet with you one-on-one and evaluate your case on an individualized basis.

If you have any question about what makes an excellent dental implants candidate, feel free to contact our Renton dental office at {{office1-phone}} or {{office1-email}}.

1. Age

Children or adolescents typically need to wait until they are done growing to ensure long-term success with a dental implant. This is because implants are placed within your jawbone and we need to make sure that the bone and surrounding teeth will not continue to move. This stage is generally around the age of 18.

To evaluate if you or your child meet the “age requirement” for a dental implant, Dr. Taylor will use 3D cone beam technology to take images of your bone structure.

For adults, age isn’t a concern. However, the matter is having enough jawbone to support a dental implant.

2. Enough bone

When a dental implant is placed, it fuses with the surrounding bone to create a stable root for the crown restoration.

Without the support of your jawbone, a successful dental implant is not possible.

Why might you not have enough bone to support an implant?

When you lose a tooth, it is common for the surrounding bone structure to begin to deteriorate, both in height and width.

The longer you wait to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant, the less bone structure you are likely to have.

Dr. Taylor determines if you have enough bone structure for a dental implant by using 3D cone beam technology. This technology is similar to an x-ray and can take 3D images of your bone and soft tissues.

If you don’t have enough bone to support a dental implant, don’t worry!

Bone grafting is a dental procedure that can help build up the bone structure and enable you to become a dental implant candidate.

3. Health

The saying “There’s more to this than meets the eye” is very true for the dental implants procedure.

Even though this dental procedure is less invasive than other restorative options, it is still a surgical process.

The healing process for your implant and bone to fuse can take three or more months, which is why you must already be in and remain in good oral and overall health.

If you smoke, suffer from uncontrolled chronic disorders like diabetes, or have had radiation therapy to your head or neck area, then you will need to be evaluated by Dr. Taylor, who may need to consult with your physician.

If you have or show signs of periodontal disease (gum disease), then you will need to work with Dr. Taylor to resolve that beforehand.

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants

The single best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Taylor.

Dr. Taylor will be able to tell you which boxes you check off, and what to do if you don’t meet some of the requirements.