A man with hands behind his head and wondering if he is a candidate for dental implants So you’ve got a missing tooth. Or: Maybe it’s time for a denture replacement. You’ve probably researched available teeth-replacement options and have come across dental implants. You’ve read: Dental implants are the #1 preferred way of restoring missing teeth. But because they’re a permanent tooth replacement, the procedure takes a few months to complete, and your dentist will have to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants before beginning treatment. While only your dentist can answer your question of “Am I a candidate for dental implants?”, we’ll go over some of the basics to help you know exactly what to expect. (Sit back and relax. We’ll make this super simple.) Let’s first define dental implants:

What are dental implants?

Dental implants permanently replace a missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or a full set of teeth with implant-retained dentures. The entire dental implant process goes something like this:
  • Step 1: A metal post is inserted to replace the missing tooth root.
  • Step 2: Once the area heals and the implant fuses with the jawbone, an abutment (connector) is attached.
  • Step 3: A crown (the custom-made tooth replacement) is made and placed for a permanent tooth restoration.
Easy enough, right?

Who’s a candidate for dental implants?

Anyone who meets the following qualifications may be a candidate for dental implants:
  • Has a healthy mouth and gums
  • Is in good overall health
  • Has adequate jawbone
  • Refrains from smoking
  • Maintains excellent oral hygiene
Dental implants are the top restoration for a good reason (well, actually quite a few), but they take time to complete and are an investment in your oral health.

Can anyone get dental implants at any age?

Tooth loss occurs for many reasons, from accidents to tooth decay and gum disease, and needing replacement teeth can occur at any age. As long as a person meets the above requirements for dental implants, they can get dental implants. The restoration is great for nearly all ages - from younger to older patients. Despite what you may think or may have heard, it’s never too late to get dental implants as long as you’re healthy. Risks of missing teeth include uneven chewing and added pressure on the mouth, which affects the facial structure. Most people don’t realize that a missing tooth can also cause bone deterioration in the jaw, so never ignore a missing tooth even if it isn’t visible. As for children and teens, having adequate jawbone is a big factor when deciding if someone is a candidate for dental implants, but that also means that the facial structure must be formed and the jawbone has stopped growing. This means dental implants are not suitable for young kids who are still maturing. But have no fear: Your rockstar family dentist will recommend the best option to fix a missing tooth in children if needed. With today’s advanced dental technology, your dentist will work closely with you to restore your child’s smile.

Looking for dental implants in Raleigh, NC?

If you’re looking for dental implants in or around Raleigh, then we’ve got you covered! Our team at The Dental Market does everything in-house (you’d be surprised how many offices send you from office to office to complete each step).
  • We place the implant
  • Create the crown
  • And finalize the procedure all under one roof
Our goal is to help you get your smile back, so you gain newfound confidence and enjoy your mouth’s full function. Dr. James Sarant and the team are here to answer all your questions, including: We have many options available and will help you find how to fill a missing tooth gap or restore a complete smile with dental implants and more. Why yes, you could spend hours Google-searching dental implant... opens in a new window to AAID website... FAQs. Or you could just schedule your appointment today and get started on your smile transformation. View some of our happy patients here. Contact us to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants: The Dental Market is located in Raleigh, NC... opens in a new window to Google Maps..., and gladly welcomes patients from our neighboring communities, including Cary, Wake Forest, Garner, Knightdale, Durham, Apex, and Holly Springs.