Remember how your grandparents’ dentures used to look obviously fake? Thankfully, modern dentistry has come a long way.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants can transform your smile and help keep your remaining teeth stable and healthy. Here’s how to know if you’re a candidate for implant treatment at our Dental Clinic in Monterrey.
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Who is a good candidate for a dental implant?
While dental implants are a highly advantageous option for tooth replacement, they aren’t the perfect solution for everyone. The ideal candidate enjoys good general and oral health.
At our Dental Clinic in Monterrey, our implant specialist Dr. Daniel Fernández has the training and experience to deliver results that look and feel like your own teeth.
Here’s a checklist to help you see whether implants may be right for you:
- Your jaw has finished growing: as a rule of thumb, 21+ for men and 18+ for women, once skeletal growth is complete.
- You have adequate bone height to secure the implant. If bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft may be needed to support the implant.
- Your gums are healthy: any periodontal disease should be treated first, whether with scaling and root planing (curettage) or periodontal surgery.
- You’re not pregnant: pregnancy involves hormonal changes that can increase gum sensitivity and hinder healing. Also, follow-up for implants requires radiographs, which should be avoided during pregnancy.
- You’re willing to quit or reduce smoking: smoking can harm osseointegration (the fusion of the titanium implant with bone) by slowing healing.
- No recent heart attack, no active chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.
- You’re not currently taking medications that impair bone healing, such as corticosteroids, denosumab (Prolia), bisphosphonates, isotretinoin, among others.
How should I prepare for dental implant treatment?
Because implant therapy may involve one or more surgical procedures, you’ll undergo a thorough evaluation to prepare properly. This includes:
- Comprehensive dental exam: a 3D Cone Beam CT scan (CBCT) plus models/scans of your teeth and jaws.
- Medical history review: tell your dentist about any medical conditions and all medications you’re taking.
- Treatment plan: created specifically for your case. It should include all required steps to enable implant placement, estimated costs, and approximate timeline.
What is dental Implant surgery like?
Dental implant surgery replaces the roots of missing teeth with titanium “screws” onto which dental crowns are placed. The result is a prosthesis that looks and functions like a real tooth.
Implant placement is a very safe and effective treatment. If you’re missing a tooth, don’t hesitate to replace it. Book a consultation and we’ll study your case in detail.
How to care for dental implants?
Maintenance visits are essential. Your dentist monitors the tissues around the implant and removes any tartar deposits.
During the first year after implant placement, maintenance visits should be scheduled every 3–4 months. After the first year, the recall interval is set according to your needs.
Purpose of this article: to help you understand the factors that determine candidacy for dental implants. As noted, preparation includes a comprehensive exam with 3D imaging and a medical review. This text does not replace that evaluation; it’s the first step toward a successful treatment plan.
For a full evaluation and a personalized treatment plan, start with a consultation. Request an appointment with Dr. Daniel Fernández via WhatsApp, phone call, or our contact form.
