How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants

Because of the innovative way in which the reestablish the support and vital functions of your lost teeth roots, dental implants are often the preferred method of rebuilding your smile. Their ability to effectively mimic healthy, natural teeth also makes them the ideal option for a wide number of patients who’ve suffered tooth loss. However, before recommending a dental implant placement procedure, Dr. Kania will first ensure that you’re a good candidate for it by performing a thorough examination at our Encinitas/San Diego, CA, office. If not, then she’ll work with you to improve your oral and periodontal health to prepare you for the lifelike tooth replacements.

You have good periodontal health

The first step to gauging your candidacy for dental implant placement is to ensure that you exhibit good periodontal health. This is especially important if the reason behind your tooth loss was severe periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the United States. Periodontal disease erodes your gums, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone structure that support your teeth by their roots. If the disease is still present, then it will continue to erode these structures even after your implant posts are placed, causing them to fail. If you have periodontal disease, then Dr. Kania can recommend a personalized treatment maintenance plan to get it under control first.

It hasn’t been too long since you lost teeth

Besides periodontal disease, the prolonged absence of one or more teeth roots can also erode your jawbone structure. The lack of stimulation causes your body to send your jawbone fewer nutrients, and over time, the bone structure can lose mass and density. To better prepare your jawbone for implant placement, Dr. Kania may recommend jawbone grafting to restore this mass and density and your jawbone’s ability to support the implant posts.

Ask Dr. Kania if You Qualify for Dental Implants

Qualifying for dental implants may be simpler than you think, especially if you replace your lost teeth as soon as possible. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.