Well, this is an easy answer. Basically, if you are over 18 and have lost a tooth or several teeth, chances are high that you can be a candidate for dental implants. The reason we say you should be over 18 is because your bone tissue is not fully developed and your jaw is still growing.
That said, you do need to be in good general health, just like with any type of surgical procedure. This includes not having periodontal disease or tooth decay. Plus, you would absolutely need to take care of any oral health issues before a dental surgeon would even consider giving you implants.
Other health issues that may prevent you from getting dental implants include:
- Blood clotting disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Immune system problems
- Cancer
- Drug abuse
You would need to discuss all health issues and concerns with your doctor and dental surgeon to confirm 100% whether or not you are a candidate.
Lastly, if you are a smoker, it goes without saying that smoking is bad for your overall health. When it comes to implants specifically, it could really slow down your healing. Smoking is also not good for the ongoing health of your gums and bone structure. The moral of the story is this: if you want a healthy mouth and a successful dental implant surgery, stop smoking, period.
Located in the Surrey, BC area and interested in a consultation for dental implant surgery? Call us at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery today: 604-507-0514.