Dental experts from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry estimate that 69 percent of Americans ages 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth. While one missing tooth may not sound like a big deal, missing even one tooth can have many adverse effects. Apart from a person losing self-confidence, a missing tooth can expedite the wear and tear of surrounding teeth, or even cause other teeth to shift around and alter your bite.

Fortunately, people who have lost a tooth or two have a number of restorative options available to them. One of the best options for replacing a missing a tooth is a cosmetic dentistry procedure called “dental implants”.

Dental implants involve implanting a titanium rod in the gums. This rod will serve as an anchor for a replacement tooth. Despite how the procedure sounds, the procedure itself is essentially painless, and its success rate is at 98 percent.

candidate for dental implants

Dental implants are a popular procedure because the implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. However, dental implant candidates must meet a number of conditions before they are cleared to undergo the procedure. Some of these conditions include:

  1. The Right Age

The ideal candidate is usually at least 18 years old. This is because the jawbone of younger candidates is still growing; this may cause the implant to shift into an undesirable position later on.

  1. Good Periodontal Health

The ideal candidate should have healthy gums. Periodontal disease can cause infections around the implant, jeopardizing the fusion of the implant and the bone.

  1. Proper Bone Density

The ideal candidate must have enough bone along their jaw. The bone serves to keep the implant in place and support the replacement tooth.

The points above are only meant to serve as a general guide. The use of dental implants is a case-to-case basis. There is no harm in seeing a respected implant dentist in Greenville, SC, such as Dr. Brian Derrick of Falls Park Dentistry. If you are not a viable candidate for dental implants, your dentist can easily recommend other effective restoration procedures you are more suitable for.

SOURCES:

Dental Implant Facts. www.aaid-implant.org

Who Is An Implant Candidate?. www.colgate.com