January 16, 2025

Litum Health

Health Blog

Are Dental Implants in Wichita Falls Right for You?

2 min read

A lot of people can lose at least one tooth in their lifetime. If you are missing at least one tooth, you may want to consider getting dental implants as replacements for your missing teeth. But before you visit an established Wichita Falls dental practice, you should know about the factors that make you a good candidate for these implants. The following are things you should consider:

The Majority of People Can Get Dental Implants

Dental implants can be a good replacement for one or more teeth. Your dentist can use them in place for dental bridges or dentures. You could get these implants if you have healthy gums and a strong jawbone. The implants need enough bone to anchor and support them. 

But even if you lost your jawbone, you can still get dental implants. Indeed, the implants may be necessary so you do not lose bone further. In such cases, your dentist can rebuild the bone with grafting procedures.

Getting a Thorough Evaluation

Before placing dental implants, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your jaw, mouth, teeth, and overall health. They will have you get a mouth X-ray and CT scan. This helps them determine areas of bone loss and see the sinuses’ shape and the location of the nerve. Having accurate assessments will allow your dentist to determine the right treatments for you. In addition, your dentist will also look into your medical history and overall health because these factors influence how well your dental implant heals and fuses to your jawbone. 

Who are Not Good Candidates for Implants?

People with controlled diabetes, gum disease, alcoholism, and cancer may not be good candidates for dental implants. These conditions can seriously impact their outcome. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your condition and coordinate with your doctor to determine if you can benefit from a dental implant. 

In addition, those who take some medications like immune system suppressants and steroids may not be perfect candidates. People who tend to grind or clench their teeth may not be perfect candidates since it can put excessive pressure on the dental implants, leading to long-term damage. 

Overall, a dental implant is an excellent tooth replacement option, and most of those who have had an implant are satisfied with their outcome. If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you should visit your dentist and get a careful examination. This way, your dentist can determine the best options for you.