Are you on the fence about whether or not you need dental implants? If so, you’re not alone! According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, about 3 million people in America have implants. That number grows by 500,000 every year! But are they truly right for you? Here’s a look at the criteria that dentists use when deciding whether or not to fit someone with implants.<\/p>\n
Dentists start by gauging your oral health before installing an implant. Are your gums and teeth healthy enough for an implant? Are there any concerns for decay or gum disease? If there are problems, they’ll treat those first before moving on to implants for your missing teeth.<\/p>\n
Over time, your jawbone may have lost some strength or density. For example, losing teeth can greatly damage the bone. What happens if you don’t have enough bone for your implant? Well, your dentist may install bone around the area using a technique known as bone grafting.<\/p>\n
Are you suffering from autoimmune disorders or even conditions like diabetes? You may want to discuss this sort of thing with your dentist. Your dentist will work with you and your primary care physician to come up with treatment.<\/p>\n
Do you regularly smoke and drink or take poor care of your teeth in general? Your dentist may not consider you a good candidate for an implant. Will quitting smoking and drinking help? Yes! Always ask your dentist for more information regarding implants beforehand.<\/p>\n
Will your insurance pay for your implants or not? This is something that you should certainly talk to your insurance company and dentist about before proceeding.<\/p>\n
Can you really “age out” of getting implants? That depends on things like your overall health and your oral habits. Certainly, dentists won’t give implants to very young children, so make sure you’re of the right age before getting one.<\/p>\n