Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Key Factors for Dental Implant Candidacy

A good candidate for dental implant placement generally meets the following criteria:

• Adequate Bone Volume: You must have sufficient jawbone density to anchor the implant.
• Healthy Gums: Your gums must be free of active periodontitis. Issues like bleeding gums or receding gums must be addressed first.
• Good Overall Health: You should not have any uncontrolled health conditions that could interfere with healing.
• Non-Smoker: Smoking can significantly hinder the healing process and implant success.

Even if you don't meet all these criteria initially, our gum specialist can often help you become a candidate.

Periodontist vs. General Dentist for Implant Candidacy

Why see a periodontist for your implant evaluation? A periodontist has years of specialized surgical training focused on the gums and underlying bone—the very foundation of a dental implant. Dr. Herrington can:

• Accurately diagnose and treat gum disease, the leading cause of implant failure.
• Determine precisely how much bone you have and whether you need a dental bone graft.
• Perform all necessary preparatory treatments with a high level of expertise.

As a dental implant specialist, a periodontist is the most qualified expert to assess your candidacy and ensure a successful, long-term outcome.

Becoming a Candidate: Preparatory Treatments

If you are not an ideal candidate right away, Dr. Herrington can perform the necessary procedures to prepare you for implants. These may include:

• Dental Bone Graft: If you lack sufficient jawbone density, a dental bone graft is performed to create a stable foundation.
• Sinus Lift: A specialized bone graft for the upper jaw to create enough room for implants.
• Gum Disease Treatment: Comprehensive periodontitis treatment, such as scaling and root planing or laser periodontal therapy, is essential to eliminate infection before implant surgery.