Implant dentistry has given thousands of people something they might have thought they would never have again: a mouth full of healthy, durable, strong teeth. While there is no true replacement for one’s natural teeth, dental implants come remarkably close. If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you already fulfill the first and most important criterion for dental implant candidacy. Here are some of the other properties of a good candidate for dental implants:

• A good candidate for dental implants will have sufficient bone density to support the titanium implant posts. Because these posts are implanted into the jawbone, they rely on the bone for stability. Those patients without sufficient bone may be able to undergo a bone grafting procedure that will allow them to be fitted with dental implants.
• Patients receiving dental implants should be in generally good health. The actual implantation of the implants is an invasive surgical procedure, so a good candidate will be in good enough health to minimize the risks associated with any surgical procedure.
• People who use dental implants to support a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a full set of dentures must be willing to care for their teeth through a strong daily hygiene regimen and routine trips to the dentist. Although dental implants require roughly the same maintenance as natural teeth, periods of neglect can reduce the longevity of the implant restorations.

For further information about dental implants and other restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, please contact Dr. Peter Rubinstein, serving Manhattan and all of New York City.