For the right person, dental implants can make a world of difference in their oral health and how they feel about their teeth and smile. But who is a good candidate for this solution? There are certain qualities an individual must have to reap the most benefit. Below is a brief overview of the factors that make for an ideal patient.

How to Tell if You’re the Right Fit for Dental Implants

1. Gums

A good candidate will have strong and healthy gums, free of periodontal disease and other conditions that could weaken the area. Healthy tissue is essential for a successful implant. However, if you have significant gum recession, the dentist may be able to perform the work anyway using a tissue or gum graft.

2. Jaw Bone

Sturdy bones in the jaw anchor the dental implant and ensure it has the necessary foundation to stay attached and stable. Some people lose bone density in their jaw, which can result in too little of a base to effectively hold the implant. But even if this is the case, you can still often get implants; before the procedure, you would have a bone graft to strengthen and rebuild the existing bone.

3. Age

Children and young teens have jaws that are still developing. For this reason, it's almost always best to wait until the growth process has stopped, so there are no issues or complications with the implant. Typically children would need implants to replace congenitally missing teeth or a tooth knocked out due to a sport injury.  Usually a space maintainer is used to hold the tooth space while the child finishes growing and can have an implant placed.

If you meet the above guidelines, it's time to explore the possibility of dental implants. The office of Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, have been providing the Monroe County, NY, community with a range of dental and periodontal services, including tooth implants, preventive care, and teeth whitening procedures, for over 35 years. Call (585) 247-7110 to schedule an exam and see if an implant is the best option for you. Visit their website to learn more about what they offer. Follow them on Facebook for more tips and updates.