Dental implants are a durable tooth replacement option. They can last for two at least two decades with proper care. However, they are not for all patients. And aside from the Lawton, OK dental implant cost, other factors come into play when determining if these implants are for you. 

Dental implants are designed to fill the gap created by missing teeth with artificial teeth attached to titanium posts. These posts are surgically inserted into your jaw, where they are kept sturdy enough for biting and chewing. Also, they stimulate your jawbone the way the roots of your real teeth do, preventing resorption. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you must meet some criteria. Read on to know more about these:

Gum Health

To be eligible for dental implants, you must have healthy gums that can support the crowns. Your gums need to be pink and firm. Also, they should not bleed when your brush or floss your teeth. Gum bleeding and recession are signs of gum disease, which makes you ineligible for dental implants. If you have gum disease, your gums are continuously attacked by bacteria, making your mouth weak enough not to support your implants. In addition, your teeth can loosen and fall out eventually due to gum disease. 

Jawbone Health

Dental implants must fuse with the jawbone to ensure a successful surgery. Bone resorption can start a few months after you lose a tooth. Thus, you must replace any missing tooth with an implant as soon as possible. 

Also, gum disease can spread to your jawbone when it has progressed into periodontitis, leading to bone tissue loss. A weak jawbone may require bone grafting to make it strong enough to give your implant sufficient support. 

Age

To get dental implants, you should be at least 18 years old. Dental implants can’t be installed in a developing bone. Although there is no particular age limit, elderly people have an increased risk of osteoporosis, which usually makes their jaw too weak to keep the implants in place. 

Tobacco Use

Often, it can take the implant posts six months to fuse with the jawbone and fully heal. Using tobacco can slow down the ability of your body to recover after surgery. Thus, to ensure your mouth will properly heal, you must stop smoking before your implant surgery. 

If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you must consult a dentist who has experience in this type of dental service. The right dentist can determine if dental implants are the best solution for you.