The Experts at Caring Dentistry of San Rafael Explain Common Qualities of Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

Online, June 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - In an effort to educate Americans on gum disease Dr. Miller of Caring Dentistry has published an article on the common qualities of ideal candidates for dental implants.

"The dental implant procedure has one of the highest success rates in the business," notes Dr. Tim Miller, DDS. "However, depending on your specific dental problems and oral health, you might be better suited for a different procedure. If you are seriously considering dental implants, then you should speak with a qualified surgeon, but to help anyone curious about the topic please enjoy the following article on how to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure."

Dental Health
Dental implants make a great permanent fix to a broken, chipped or missing tooth, but should not be used to replace unhealthy or decayed teeth. If you anticipate the need for dental implants then you should make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly to ensure good dental health.

Gum Condition
In addition to the health of patient's teeth, the gums will also need to be healthy. Patients with gum disease, or other serious illness or infection of the gums, may not be ideal candidates for dental implants. If you are unsure about the condition of your gums then speak with an oral surgeon to arrange a full evaluation.

Non-Smoking
Patients who do not smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco will make for better candidates than those who do, as they lower the success rate. Always be honest with your surgeon about how regularly you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco so they can properly assess your likelihood of success.

Jaw Structure
In order to have a successful dental implant procedure you need to have a healthy jaw structure, as the implants are anchored to your jaw. However, even if your jawbone is not ideal for implant surgery, your surgeon might be able to use bone-grafting techniques to create a jaw that can support the implants.

Alcohol Abuse
In addition to smoking cigarettes, patients who consume large amounts of alcohol might not be ideal candidates for dental implants. Alcohol can irritate the gums and teeth, and will inhibit the healing process after oral surgery.

Overall Health
Before you undergo a dental implant procedure you will need to provide your surgeon information regarding your medical history. Some common topics your dentist will need to know include major surgeries, osteoporosis, family history of diabetes, etc. The more your dentist knows about your health, the better they can prepare for a procedure that will fit your specific needs.

Healing Requirements
Before you decide to undergo implant surgery, you should also go over the steps you will need to take after your surgery. As mentioned above, consuming alcohol can delay the healing process, and certain treatments can lower the chance of a successful implant. Keep any lifestyle changes in mind before the surgery, so you can make the most of your new smile and let it heal correctly.

We know going to the dentist isn't your favorite thing, but at Caring Dentistry of San Rafael we make visiting a more pleasant experience than you've ever imagined!