With the vast myriad of options to choose from when trying to determine the best way to remedy tooth loss, it can be a bit difficult to figure out which procedures are appropriate for your specific circumstances. Some procedures are very accessible, in that there are few barriers that may prevent a person from taking advantage of it, but other dental procedures do have some criteria that may make the process go much more smoothly. One such dental procedure is dental implants. While most people who need them can get them, there are a few conditions that can make this procedure less ideal for certain patients. At Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry we meet many patients who would like to get dental implants, and we are more than happy to help you determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.

The General Health of a Patient

As with most kinds of dental procedures, dental implants can benefit the patient most when the patient is in relatively good health. That does not mean, however, that people with chronic issues like diabetes are unable to get dental implants. As long as any underlying health issues that a patient might have are under control, they can still potentially be suitable candidates for a dental implant.

The reason why this is important is because some conditions, like unmanaged diabetes, can be a barrier to a quick recovery. In turn, it may cause additional health issues that may necessitate additional care. Furthermore, even acute health issues can present a problem for patients seeking to get a dental implant. For example, if you have recently suffered from a stroke or a heart attack, or another health situation like these, your appointment will likely be delayed until you have made a recovery.

A History of Good Dental Health

While it may sound contradictory, dental health is an important prerequisite to getting a dental implant. This is because dental implants are a surgical procedure, which means that poor dental health, such as infections or gum disease, can increase the risk of postoperative complications. If you do have a health complication such as infection or gum disease, depending on the severity of the issue, the dental implant may be delayed to give time to first optimize your dental health for the upcoming dental implant.

Post-procedural maintenance of proper dental care is also extremely important. Ensuring that proper dental hygiene is upheld (such as maintaining a regular brushing and flossing schedule) is also important, as the cessation of these habits can render a dental implant less effective and may even require additional treatment or care. Ultimately, following our aftercare instructions is of the utmost importance when getting a dental implant.

If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth and are considering a dental procedure, it can be difficult to know if you are an ideal candidate. Ultimately, most people are sufficiently healthy for a dental implant, and even those that are not can become suitable after preliminary dental procedures. If you are still unsure if you are a good candidate for a dental implant and would like to learn more, including whether dental implants are affordable, please give Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry a call at (920) 278-7678 today to schedule an appointment with our skilled and caring dental team.