Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Are you considering getting a dental implant but aren't sure the restoration option is the best choice for you? Our Honolulu, HI, dentist, Dr. Garret Hayashi of A Bishop Street Dental Practice, discusses dental implants and explains the factors that will make you a good candidate.

Dental implants are unlike any other tooth restoration method

Many people are more familiar with bridges or dentures than they are dental implants. Bridges and dentures replace the crown portion of your tooth only, the part of the tooth you see when you smile. Dental implants replace your roots are used to support a crown. Implants offer the only way to replace your entire tooth.

Dental implants bond to your jawbone and offer a long-term solution to tooth loss. The bonding process, called osseointegration, is essential for ensuring the stability of your new crown. Because dental implants feel like natural teeth, they offer a more comfortable alternative to bridges and dentures.

Am I a good candidate?

You may be a good candidate for dental implants if:

• You have excellent oral hygiene. Keeping your implant in good condition requires regular brushing and flossing. It's particularly important to floss around the base of the implant.
• You have good jawbone depth. Your jawbone must be deep enough to support the titanium dental implant. If it's not, the implant may fail. In some cases, it may be possible to add bone grafts to your jawbone to deepen it in preparation for an implant.
• You don't smoke. Smoking also interferes with healing and can increase the risk of implant failure.
• You visit the dentist regularly. Regular visits to our Honolulu office allow us to assess the health of your implant and take action should any problems be detected.
• Your gums are healthy. Healthy gums help support your teeth. If you have gum disease, you may need to receive treatment before you can proceed with an implant.

Would you like to find out if dental implants are a good option for you? Call our Honolulu, HI, dentist, Dr. Hayashi, at (808) 536-5090 to make an appointment.