Dental implants are the new and (much) improved version of dentures. If you’re missing a tooth and prefer to get an implant, which looks, feels and works like a regular tooth, consider learning more about dental implants in Chicago. If you have dentures and don’t like the way they look or feel, you should also consider dental implants.
Dental implants aren’t for everybody though. Read on to find out if you might be a good candidate. In a dental implant surgery, the implants are secured to the existing bone in your jaw. Then a crown is installed so it looks like the rest of your teeth.
Some people may not have enough bone to be a good candidate, although reconstructive procedures are a possibility.
Colgate, in an article reviewed by the Columbia University College of Dental medicine said the following conditions make for bad dental implant candidates:
- Children whose bones haven’t stopped growing
- Pregnant women
- Heavy smokers
- People who have received radiation treatment of the head or neck
- People with chronic diseases
- People who grind their teeth
What’s important for a good dental implant candidate is that they can heal. Heavy smokers, patients with previous radiation treatment and/or chronic disease may have deficient immune systems. This means that their mouth may struggle to heal on its own after the surgery which is a big part of success or failure in a dental implant.
The previous conditions, however, do not automatically stop you from having dental implants in Chicago or anywhere else. But they do present additional risk factors.
One of the most important things in a successful dental implant surgery is the patient’s commitment to recovery. Your best course of action if you have any of the conditions presented on this list is to talk to your dentist.
Ultimately, your dentist will be able to best decide whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
If you’re considering dental implants in Chicago, take a look at Chicago Family Dental Care. We provide dental implant services in Chicago and the surrounding area. We’d be happy to talk to you more about your dental implant candidacy or any other concerns you may have. Visit us on the web to learn more about our services or read more helpful articles. You can give us a call at (773)528-0068.
