For patients missing teeth, the options for replacement can be a bit overwhelming. In addition to traditional treatments, you also have dental implant solutions to consider. You may have heard that dental implants are both very popular and highly beneficial. However, you might not be sure if they are the right treatment for you. At Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery we can help to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

Chances are that if you have lost one or more teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Implants can also be used to replace teeth that have been extracted. They are a great alternative solution to traditional bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures. So, no matter how many teeth you have lost, dental implants may be a good option. There are numerous dental implant solutions available, which allows us to cater to many different needs.

What Factors Determine if I am a Good Candidate?

While many people are excellent dental implant candidates, there are some factors that can affect whether or not they are the right solution for you. Even with some of these factors, making changes can help to improve your candidacy and the success of your dental implant treatment. These factors include the amount of bone mass remaining in your jaw when you schedule your consultation, your oral health, certain habits like smoking and alcohol use, and your general health. During your initial consultation, we will go over these factors in addition to examining your mouth and taking necessary images to help you make the best choice.

Are There Options for Those Without Adequate Bone Mass?

X-rays and other imaging, such as 3D scans, will allow us to assess the condition of your jawbone. Just because it is shown that your jawbone is weak, this does not mean you will not be able to get dental implants. You may first need a bone graft. Patients missing all the teeth in their upper or lower arch may be able to get around the need for a bone graft with a treatment like All-on-4® or implant supported dentures.

How Does Your Overall Health Affect Implants?

Chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes can play a role in your candidacy for dental implants, particularly if the conditions are uncontrolled. When you have uncontrolled medical conditions, your risk for developing infections or experiencing implant failure is greatly increased. If you want to get dental implants, it will be important to have your medical conditions under control. This can be done with the help of your medical doctor.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors

Smokers have a decreased amount of oxygen in their blood. They also typically have slower blood flow, and their immune systems are weaker. These factors can greatly impact the success of dental implant treatment, increasing the risk of infection and failure. We recommend that smokers quit before beginning implant placement.

You Must Be Committed to Good Oral Hygiene Practices

Your oral hygiene is crucial for the success of dental implants. Good oral hygiene is necessary during your recovery to keep your mouth clean and prevent infections. Even after you have fully healed, you must be committed to good oral hygiene. You may have fully healed, but you can still develop gum disease, which can lead to implant failure, even years later, if it is not properly treated.

If you are considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, check out or dental implant faq and call Downey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 562-459-3311 today.