Missing a tooth affects more than just your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and often, how you feel about yourself. While there are several ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants are widely considered the gold standard. They look natural, function just like real teeth, and provide long-term stability. But is this solution right for you?
At Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria, VA, we help patients navigate these important decisions every day. Under the leadership of Dr. Zeyad Mady, recognized as one of the premier dentists in our area, our team specializes in restoring smiles with precision and care. If you are considering tooth replacement, this checklist will help you understand if you are a prime candidate for dental implants.
Your Gum Health is Excellent
The foundation of a successful implant is healthy gum tissue. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a major enemy of dental implants. If you have active gum infections, the bacteria can attack the bone supporting the implant, leading to failure.
Before we can move forward with surgery, your gums must be free of inflammation and infection. If you do have gum disease, don’t worry—it doesn’t disqualify you permanently. Dr. Mady can help you treat the condition first, creating a healthy environment where your new implant can thrive.
You Have Sufficient Bone Density
Dental implants work because they fuse directly with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This bond provides the strength needed to bite and chew. Therefore, you need enough quality bone to support the titanium post.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area often begins to shrink or resorb over time. If you have been missing a tooth for years, you might have experienced some bone loss. During your consultation, Dr. Mady will use advanced imaging to assess your bone density. Even if your bone volume is low, modern techniques like bone grafting can often build up the area to make you a successful candidate.
You Are in Good General Health
Implant placement is a surgical procedure, so your overall physical health matters. Your body needs to heal properly after the implant is placed. Certain conditions can affect healing, including:
- Uncontrolled Diabetes: High blood sugar can slow down the healing process and increase infection risk.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions that affect the immune system may complicate recovery.
- Medications: Certain drugs, such as bisphosphonates or blood thinners, need to be discussed with your dentist.
Being a smoker is also a significant factor. Smoking restricts blood flow to the gums, which drastically slows healing and increases the risk of implant failure. While smokers can still get implants, quitting—even temporarily during the healing phase—greatly improves your chances of success. (Implant dentistry can still be a great solution for tooth replacement, even if some of these conditions apply.)
You Are Committed to Oral Hygiene
Dental implants are not “set it and forget it.” While the implant itself cannot get cavities, the gums around it can still get infected if not cleaned properly. The best candidates are those who are committed to brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular check-ups at Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry. Your long-term success depends on how well you care for your investment.
Find Out If You May Be a Candidate for Dental Implants
Every smile is unique, and the only way to know for sure if implants are right for you is through a professional evaluation. Dr. Zeyad Mady and the team at Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry combine expertise with compassionate care to help you find the best solution for your needs.
If you are ready to restore your smile and confidence, we invite you to schedule an appointment to discuss your tooth replacement options. Let us help you determine if you qualify for implant dentistry and guide you toward a complete, healthy smile.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
