There is no doubt that dental implants are a great option for many people who are in need of a tooth replacement. These implants offer many benefits such as durability and an extremely natural appearance. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this dental procedure. While your dentist will ultimately determine whether or not you qualify for this procedure, taking the time to answer a couple of basic questions can help to give you a much better idea of whether or not you will be a good candidate.

Are Your Gums Healthy?

Unlike other types of tissue, gum tissue does not regenerate. Consequently, if you have suffered severe damage to your gums as a result of gum disease or other oral health issues, your dentist may determine that you are not a good candidate for dental implants. This is because, unlike dentures that can offer synthetic gum tissue to allow for proper positioning even in the absence of adequate natural tissue, dental implants do not provide any type of solution for the damage to your gums. 

Do You Have Any Medical Problems That Impact Your Ability To Heal?

The process of getting implants to replace a damaged or missing tooth will require your jawbone to heal around the metal implant that is placed into your existing tooth socket. Medical problems that impact your body's healing capabilities will make the completion of this process impossible. As a result, your dentist may determine that you are not a good candidate for implants based on your medical history. This is why you must ensure that you provide your dentist with a comprehensive medical history before undergoing any type of dental procedure, including the surgical placement of implants. 

Have You Suffered Bone Loss?

In order for dental implants to provide adequate strength, your jawbone will need to be thick enough to support the metal post. If you have suffered minor bone loss or have a jawbone that is naturally a bit thin, these issues may be resolved through the use of bone grafts. However, if you have suffered moderate or severe bone loss, your dentist will likely determine that you are not a good candidate for dental implants. This may also be the case if you have a family or medical history that heavily indicates that you are likely to suffer from severe bone loss in the future. 

To learn more about dental implants, contact a dentist.