Missing teeth are not just an aesthetic imperfection to an otherwise beautiful smile; they can also result in serious oral health issues over time. As a result, it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Dental implants are the most effective tooth replacement option. They are the only solution that replaces both your tooth and root, and when properly cared for, the implant can last a lifetime.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to meet with our dentists in person. They will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and bone to determine the best treatment option for you. Please call 201-792-9400 today to schedule your consultation at our Hoboken dental office.
Dental Implant Candidacy Considerations
Dr. DePaola will consider a variety of factors when determining whether dental implants are the best course of action to replace your missing teeth. In general, ideal dental implant candidates must meet the following criteria:
- In good overall health
- Free of gum disease
- Have sufficient jawbone structure to accommodate the dental implant
- No bite alignment issues
- Non-smoker
- Not taking any medication or have any conditions which may negatively impact bone healing
- Willing to commit to the lengthy dental implant process
If you do not meet all of these requirements, you may still be a suitable candidate. However, you may need to undergo additional treatments prior to your dental implant procedure, depending on the impacting factors of your dental implant candidacy. For example, patients who lack adequate bone density may be able to get implants after a bone graft is performed. Periodontal treatment can help you get serious cases of gum disease under control so that you can move forward with your procedure.
Smoking is a serious factor impacting dental implant candidacy. Research has demonstrated that smoking is detrimental to the stability of your implant and your ability to heal. In fact, several studies have demonstrated a much higher failure rate among heavy smokers. For this reason, it is crucial that you are willing to quit smoking throughout the entire dental implant process and recovery period.
Don’t Delay!
Over time, the oral health issues caused by missing teeth will become worse. Your remaining teeth may shift to fill in the gap, creating alignment issues with your bite. In addition, the bone and gum tissue in the region will deteriorate over time, making it more difficult to accommodate the implant. So while you may be a good candidate for dental implants today, you may not be once these progressive oral health issues begin to develop.
Please contact The Practice at Maxwell Place using the form at the right side of the page or call 201-792-9400 today to schedule your dental implant consultation. We serve patients in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Hudson County, New Jersey.