If you are living with missing teeth or dealing with a severely damaged tooth that needs extraction, you are likely looking for a long-term solution. Traditional options like bridges and dentures have been the norm for a long time, but modern dentistry offers something much closer to your natural smile: dental implants.
At London Dental House, we receive many questions about this revolutionary treatment, the most common being, “Am I actually a good candidate for this procedure?” Determining your eligibility involves considering a few key factors, including your age, lifestyle, and oral health. Let’s break down what makes someone an ideal candidate for dental implants in London, Ontario.
1. You Have One or More Missing Teeth
The most fundamental requirement for dental implant candidacy is having gaps in your smile. Whether you are missing a single tooth, multiple consecutive teeth, or a full arch, dental implants can be tailored to your needs. They can support individual ceramic crowns, multi-unit bridges, or even secure a full set of dentures so they stop shifting. Even if you haven’t lost the tooth yet but require an extraction due to deep decay or trauma, you can begin planning your implant journey.
2. Your Jawbone is Fully Developed (Age Factors)
When it comes to dental implants, you are never too old, but you can be too young. Older adults frequently assume their age disqualifies them, but seniors in their 70s, 80s, and beyond successfully receive implants every day.
Conversely, children and teenagers are not suitable candidates. Because a young person’s jawbone continues to grow and change shape until their late teens or early twenties, placing an implant too early can disrupt facial development. Once jaw growth is complete, implants become an excellent option.
3. You Have Good Overall and Oral Health
Because getting dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure where a titanium post is integrated into your jawbone, you need to be in good general health to heal properly. Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, hemophilia, or cardiovascular issues must be well-managed before moving forward. Furthermore, your mouth must be free of active tooth decay and gum disease. Periodontal disease weakens the tissues supporting your teeth and bones, which can cause implant failure if it isn’t treated beforehand.
4. You Have Sufficient Jawbone Density
Dental implants rely on a process called osseointegration, in which your natural bone fuses directly with the titanium post to create a secure, stable anchor. To make this happen, you need sufficient healthy jawbone mass.
If you have been missing a tooth for a long time, the bone in that area may have naturally deteriorated. Fortunately, lacking bone density doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get implants. At London Dental House, we can discuss restorative options, such as bone grafting to rebuild the site, or advanced treatments like the All-on-4® technique, which maximizes use of existing bone.
5. You Are Willing to Limit Tobacco Use
Smoking or using chewing tobacco significantly impacts your body’s ability to heal. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the essential oxygen and nutrients that flow to your gums and bone during the recovery process. This slow healing drastically elevates the risk of infection and implant failure. To be a successful candidate, you should be fully prepared to abstain from all tobacco products before your surgery and throughout your entire recovery period.
Take the Next Step in London, Ontario
Ultimately, the absolute best way to find out if you qualify for this life-changing procedure is to speak with a professional. Ready to restore the function and strength of your natural smile? Contact the team at London Dental House today to schedule your personalized consultation for dental implants in London, Ontario!