Not every patient is a good candidate for receiving dental implants. There are many factors your dentist will consider after a careful evaluation of your case. But here are some details you might want to know:
1. Available Jawbone Space
Regardless if you are getting implants in the upper or lower jaw, there are vital structures that must be protected such as the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw and the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw. This is why there has to be sufficient bone height to place the implant(s). This consideration requires x-rays and your dentist will be responsible for assessing the space availability.
2. Smoking
If you are a smoker, you might want to consider quitting for a while. Smoking adversely affects the healing process of the bone and tissue. You should be able to discuss with your dentist about this matter if you’re serious about getting dental implants.
3. Location
Not all locations in the jawbone are suitable for implants. There could be irregularities of the bone and other structures keeping your from being a good candidate. Also, different locations have different success rates. The evaluation done by your dentist will help you find the best treatment according to your needs.
4. Periodontal Condition
This refers to the health of your gums and bone. There are 2 main conditions that will be taken into account by your dentist: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is when dental hygiene must be improved because gums appear red, swollen and bleed easily. Periodontitis is when the bone is affected as well and there is some level of bone loss. These conditions could compromise the success of the treatment. Periodontitis is a significant concern because it may lead to problems with implants moving in your mouth. Proper diagnosis of both diseases is also done by your dentist… but only routine dental care can prevent these diseases.