Am I a Candidate
for Dental Implants?
One of the most common questions patients ask when exploring tooth replacement options is whether they actually qualify for dental implants.
The good news is that the vast majority of healthy adults with missing teeth are candidates, and even those who have been told they do not qualify due to bone loss or other concerns may have more options than they realize. At Mill Pond Dental in Mokena, IL, our team has the experience and expertise to help most patients move forward with implant therapy, even when preliminary treatments are needed first.
While every patient is evaluated individually, ideal candidates for dental implants typically share several characteristics. The best starting point is a consultation with our team, where we take the time to thoroughly review your oral health, medical history, and personal goals before making any recommendations. Dental implants may be a great fit if you:
Healthy gums provide the critical foundation that surrounds and protects your implants. When active gum disease is present, bacteria beneath the gumline can interfere with healing and increase the risk of peri-implantitis, which can ultimately lead to implant failure.
For this reason, any existing gum disease must be treated and resolved before implant surgery can begin. The good news is that our team offers comprehensive periodontal treatment in Mokena, IL, to prepare your mouth and set the stage for a successful implant outcome.
For implants to integrate successfully with your jaw, there must be adequate bone to anchor the implant posts. When teeth have been missing for a period of time, the underlying bone can begin to deteriorate through a natural process called resorption.
If bone loss has occurred, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended to rebuild the area before implants are placed. In some cases, angled placement techniques can eliminate the need for grafting entirely.
Certain underlying medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or hyperthyroidism, can affect the body’s ability to heal after surgery.
Some medications, including steroids, immunosuppressants, and bisphosphonates, may also influence how well the implant integrates with the bone. Our team carefully reviews your full medical history to identify any factors that may need to be addressed and will coordinate with your physician when appropriate.
Smoking and tobacco use are among the most significant risk factors for implant failure. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums and bone, slows healing, and increases the likelihood of infection. Patients who smoke are strongly encouraged to quit before beginning implant treatment. Our team will discuss this openly and guide you on how to make the process as smooth as possible.
Do not give up on dental implants based on one opinion. Many patients who were previously told they lacked sufficient bone or had too many health complications have gone on to receive successful implants after completing preliminary treatments.
Our team is experienced in procedures such as gentle tooth extraction, bone augmentation, and periodontal therapy that can help patients achieve implant candidacy. We take a thorough, individualized approach and explore every avenue before concluding that implants are not an option.
Your candidacy evaluation begins with a one-on-one conversation with our team, where we listen to your concerns, review your dental and medical history, and explain your options, treatment, and costs.
We use advanced digital imaging to evaluate your bone density, nerve placement, and overall oral anatomy with precise detail. This technology enables us to plan your treatment with precision, identify the optimal implant positions, and anticipate potential challenges before surgery. Every treatment plan is designed around your unique anatomy and goals.
Once we have a clear picture of your oral health, we will review your treatment plan, timeline, and associated costs. We work with third-party financing companies, and we accept all PPO dental insurance plans to make implants financially accessible. Our team will walk you through every option and help you make a decision that feels right for your situation.
If you’ve been turned away from dental implants because of bone loss or an existing health condition, it’s worth taking a second look at your implant eligibility in Mokena, IL.
Our team brings deep experience to the preparatory treatments that often make implants possible, including gentle tooth extraction, bone augmentation, and gum disease therapy. When you place your smile in our hands, we design your dental implants around your clinical situation, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences to achieve the best possible outcome.
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