Simply having missing teeth is not necessarily reason enough to have dental implants. Alternatives, such as dentures, might be more appropriate. During your initial examination, your dentist will consider:
- The overall condition of your mouth
- The quality and quantity of bone remaining in your jaw
- Your dental hygiene routine
- Your general health
To ensure a successful outcome with implants, the condition of your mouth needs to provide a stable working environment. Any broken teeth, gum disease or dental decay will need to be remedied first before dental implants can be inserted.
Your dentist will assess your bone volume and density to ascertain whether the existing bone in your jaw can support dental implants. This process usually involves x-raying the jawbone or, in some instances, undergoing a cone beam CT scan (not scary, this is simply a specialized x-ray that provides more detailed information on your jawbone and precise placement of implants).
