Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants?

a happy dentist showing her patient a dental implant model before her dental implant surgery.

Dental implants are undeniably the most practical, predictable way to replace failing or missing teeth for life. Yet some people might hesitate to get help from a trusted dentist to discuss dental implants in Phoenix, AZ, out of worry that they may not be a good candidate for this treatment solution.

It is time to put those concerns aside. Typically, nine out of 10 people who are seeking dental implants are immediate candidates for this dependable procedure. Those who are not candidates right away, may be able to become candidates after undergoing additional treatments or making lifestyle changes.

Who Makes A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

You Have Lost One Or More Teeth

Regardless of their health situation, patients have nothing to lose and functional teeth to gain by talking to a dental professional about dental implants. Remember that dental implants can replace anything from a single tooth to a full arch of teeth.  An experienced dentist will help patients understand their choices and pick the right one for their needs.

Your Teeth Are Starting To Fail

Over time, doctors may find that some patients teeth simply cannot be restored back to health. Rather than allowing those patients teeth to continue to fail, they may benefit from dental implant surgery. A dentist can remove those hopeless teeth and replace them with dental implants during the same appointment.

You Are Tired Of Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures, that are removed at night, can be good temporary solutions for restoring a small portion of a patients biting and chewing function. However, most people who wear dentures complain about them. Even those patients who have worn dentures for years may still be able to replace them permanently with dental implants in Phoenix, AZ.

You Are Concerned About Advanced Bone Loss

Progressive bone loss of a patient’s jaw is inevitable when teeth are lost and not replaced with a similar alternative to dental implants. Dental implants encourage the patient’s bone to stay healthy and slow down the process of bone deterioration. For those who worry about bone loss at the site of any missing teeth, they should weigh the option of getting dental implants.

Situations When Patients May Have To Wait For Dental Implants In Phoenix, AZ

As mentioned before, about 90% of all the patients who come to a dental practice in Phoenix, AZ, can start the process to receive dental implants as early as their first consultation. Others may have to wait, usually because of existing conditions that must first be addressed.

For instance, someone who has untreated gum disease will need to get the gum disease under control before considering dental implants. Similarly, a person who does not commit to proper at-home oral hygiene will want to get on track before investing in dental implants. Those with excessive bone loss may require bone grafting to provide a stable foundation for the implant post.

Set up Your Consultation For Dental Implants

Maybe another dentist or medical professional told you that dental implants were out of the question. It never hurts to get a second opinion. Many of our Smile Now patients thought they could never get dental implants—and were thrilled when we presented them with ways to make their smile goals come true.

Get in contact with Dr. Shaw, and our high-quality team, at our Smile Now Dental Implant Center office to schedule an appointment with us today! Make this the year that you begin your personalized smile transformation journey!