Explore Your Candidacy for Dental Implants
For patients missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a unique opportunity to restore the function, appearance, and comfort of their smiles. However, implants are not appropriate for everyone. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements, including good oral and overall health.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Art Carpenter at our Kenilworth, IL, office. Dr. Carpenter can examine your smile and determine if implants are right for you. For some patients, he can offer preparatory procedures, such as bone grafts, to boost their candidacy for implant placement.
Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Carpenter will examine your oral health and take x-rays and scans to assess the strength of your jawbone. Good candidates for dental implants are:
- Missing one or more teeth
- In good oral health
- Able to safely undergo implant surgery
- Not lacking the jawbone tissue to support implants
- Free of health concerns which can impact healing
- Not smokers
- Committed to consistent oral hygiene
If you have an oral health condition which affects your candidacy for dental implants, though, we can often provide treatment to restore the health of your smile. Dr. Carpenter can also perform sinus lifts and bone grafts to replace lost jawbone tissue and create a strong base for the implant posts.
Who is Not a Good Candidate?
There are a variety of factors which can impact your candidacy for dental implants. This treatment is typically not recommended for:
- Pregnant women
- Heavy smokers
- Children, teenagers, or young adults who are still growing
- Alcohol or substance abusers
- Individuals who severely grind or clench their teeth
- Patients taking medications which suppress the immune system
Certain chronic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes and hemophilia, can affect your ability to heal after implant surgery and limit your candidacy for implants. It is important to discuss your full medical history with Dr. Carpenter during your consultation.
Your Initial Consultation
Before recommending dental implants, Dr. Carpenter will conduct a full evaluation of your oral health and medical history. He will examine your smile and look for signs of gum disease or other conditions which could affect the success of your implants. Our team will also take scans and x-rays of your jawbone and the other supporting structures of your smile.
For many patients, we are able to address limitations to candidacy so they can receive implants.
Dr. Carpenter will assess the shape of your jaw and the amount of bone tissue you have, as well as the location of your nerves and sinuses. Based on this information, he can design a treatment plan suited to your needs and goals, whether that includes preparatory procedures such as bone grafts or treatment for another oral health concern. For many patients, we are able to address limitations to candidacy so they can receive implants.
Determine Your Candidacy Today
If you are missing one or more teeth, an implant-supported restoration can restore the health, function, and appearance of your smile. At our practice, we offer every stage of implant treatment for your convenience. Find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants by contacting our office online or calling (847) 251-5004 today.
