Are Dental Implants Ideal for You?

When it comes to finding the best treatment for your one or more missing teeth, look to Dr. Chuck Majors for a professional consultation for your smile. Not all treatments are same, just like not all patients are the same. Before beginning the dental implants process, it’s important to consult and determine if dental implants are the best treatment option for you.

What Makes a Good Candidate?

While MajorSmiles.com will never turn away a patient, there are a few aspects of the ideal patient that we look for in those interested in dental implants. Keep in mind that even if you don’t fall under all the requirements, this does not disqualify you from treatment.

The ideal dental implant patient will have:

• One or more missing teeth
• Sufficient jawbone and gum tissue support
• Good oral health (no tooth decay, periodontal disease, etc)
• An understanding of the dental implant procedure
• Denture or partial wearers who still have adequate bone ( as determined by our office cone beam scan)

Some patients may be surprised that jawbone and gum tissue support is needed for an artificial tooth. Dental implants can lend their success to a process known as osseointegration, which bonds the implant to the jawbone. For this to succeed, sufficient jawbone is needed for the implant to be gently placed.

Also, having generally good oral health is essential to the success of the dental implant as well. Tooth decay and other diseases have the ability to affect neighboring teeth, so it’s important to take care of those prior to dental implants.

What Happens If I Have Insufficient Jawbone?

If Dr. Majors explains that you don’t have sufficient jawbone for the dental implant procedure, not all is lost! Prior to your dental implants, Dr. Majors may recommend a bone graft be done to stimulate bone growth in your jaw. This process is explained more in detail on our bone graft page.

Less Than Ideal Patients for Implant Treatment

While dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth, not everyone may qualify for them. Below is a list of attributes that could hinder the success of dental implants, especially the osseointegration process.

• Smokers – Tobacco in any form has prevented the process of osseointegration from completing. It slows down the healing, leaving the implant vulnerable to falling out or breaking.
• Alcoholics – Similar to the effects of smoking, alcohol can also slow down the healing process around the implant, putting you and your implant at risk.
• Younger Patients – Children and young teens are not recommended for dental implants, as their teeth and mouths are not fully developed for the procedure.
• Pregnant – Patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant during the dental implant process are not recommended for surgical dental procedures like dental implants. If you are interested in getting dental implants, consult with Dr. Majors and we’ll be happy to discuss scheduling treatment after your baby is born.

These lifestyle changes CAN affect your treatment options. Call to find out more.

Contact Us About Your Unique Dental Implant Treatment

Are you missing one or more teeth and want to know if dental implants are for you? Look no further than MajorSmiles.com, where we are proud to be serving patients in Bryan and College Station, TX. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chuck Majors to discover your potential for dental implants today. A complete and beautiful smile is only weeks away!