Missing teeth can affect everything from your smile confidence to your ability to chew your favorite foods. If you are considering a permanent solution, dental implants are often the gold standard. But how do you know if they are right for you? At The Dental Design Center in White Plains, NY, we help patients throughout Scarsdale and Westchester County navigate this decision every day.
This guide provides a checklist of factors that make you a prime candidate for dental implants, along with insight into how we ensure long-term success for your smile.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Before diving into candidacy, it helps to understand the value of the procedure. Implant dentistry is designed to last for life, provided the teeth implants are properly cared for. Unlike dentures that may slip or bridges that rely on neighboring teeth, implants replace the tooth root itself. This provides a stable foundation that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth.
The Checklist for Success: Are You a Prime Candidate?
A good dental implant candidate typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, excellent oral hygiene, no chronic illnesses, and a commitment to maintaining long-term dental care
While most adults can safely receive dental implants, certain factors greatly increase the likelihood of a successful, lifelong result. Here is what we look for during your initial consultation.
1. Adequate Bone Density
The most critical factor for implant success is the quality and quantity of your jawbone. The implant needs solid bone to anchor into. If you have experienced bone loss due to long-term tooth absence or gum disease, you might need a bone graft before the implant can be placed.
2. Healthy Gums
Your gums must be free of periodontal disease. Infections in the gum tissue can destabilize the implant and lead to failure. We always prioritize getting your gums healthy before moving forward with implant surgery.
3. Good General Health
Since placing implants involves oral surgery, you need to be in good enough health to undergo the procedure and heal properly. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can slow healing, so it is vital to discuss your full medical history with us.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Implants are not “set it and forget it.” Just like natural teeth, they require daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. A commitment to excellent oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of your new smile.
5. Non-Smoker Status
Smoking can inhibit healing and significantly lower the success rate of dental implants. While smokers can still get implants, quitting—even temporarily during the healing phase—greatly improves the outcome.
Personalized Care with Dr. Ira Handschuh
Your journey to a restored smile starts with a thorough examination. Dr. Ira Handschuh will perform detailed diagnostics to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation. He will then discuss with you if dental implants or a single tooth implant would be the best solution for you.
When you choose The Dental Design Center, you are choosing expertise. Dr. Handschuh is a member of:
- The American Dental Association
- The Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- The Ninth District Dental Society
He also participates in a multitude of study clubs and takes continually advanced study programs to improve his knowledge and expertise for himself and his patients. This dedication ensures you receive the most advanced care available in Westchester County.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you check most of the boxes above, you are likely an excellent candidate for dental implants. However, the only way to know for sure is a professional evaluation.
Contact The Dental Design Center today to schedule your consultation. Let Dr. Handschuh and our team help you regain the function and confidence of a complete, healthy smile.
