Are you tired of looking in the mirror and seeing an incomplete smile? Do you have trouble eating your favorite foods because you are missing teeth? If so, it is time to see if dental implants in Boston are right for you. Now, more than 500,000 people turn to them each year to restore their oral functions and confidence. You will benefit from a lifelong solution with the only prosthetic that closely looks and functions like natural teeth. While they do offer over a 95% success rate, they are not right for everyone. At Boston Smile Center, we perform the consultation necessary to ensure that you are a candidate for the procedure.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
In most cases, if you have missing teeth, healthy gums, and adequate bone density, you can get dental implants. However, to ensure the long-term success of the procedure, there are additional factors that must be considered, such as your medical history and lifestyle habits.
Healthy Gums: The biggest threat for implant failure involves infection; therefore, you cannot have periodontal disease to minimize the risk.
Adequate Bone Density: A biocompatible post is surgically placed into the jawbone. As a result, there must be enough bone to support the post. However, even those who have decreased density can still benefit from the procedure with bone grafting.
Good Oral Habits: To minimize the risk for infection, you must be committed to your oral hygiene. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, you must visit your dentist regularly for a cleaning and checkup.
Who Cannot Get Dental Implants?
Even if you meet the above criteria for the procedure, there are some instances where you may not be a candidate due to certain health issues.
Connective-Tissue Disorders: The bone must be able to fuse to the implant post. If you have any conditions, like connective tissue disorders, osteoporosis, or have previously had radiation treatments, you may not be a candidate.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: If your diabetes is not controlled, you have difficulty healing and fighting infection. This will prevent the jaw from fusing to the post and increase the likeliness for infections to develop.
Significant Immune Deficiencies: Any issues with the immune system that limit the body’s ability to heal and fight infections will be an issue. In addition, taking medications that suppress the immune system will pose a challenge.
Bruxism: If you grind or clench your teeth, it will place too much pressure on the implants, increasing the risk for failure.
Pregnant women and those who have not finished growing are not candidates for dental implants. In addition, if you are a heavy smoker or consume a large amount of alcohol, you may not be suitable for the procedure.
Where Can I Get Dental Implants?
If you are ready to love the smile you see in the mirror and enjoy your favorite foods again, it is time to see if dental implants are right for you. Contact Boston Smile Center today to schedule your consultation.