Dental Implant Candidacy
Dental Implants Peoria AZ
 Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. That being said, they're not always the right tooth replacement solution for everyone. Before we move forward with treatment, it's important to determine whether you're a good candidate for dental implants. Fortunately, most healthy adults who are missing one or more teeth do qualify for dental implants.
Key Factors That Determine Dental Implant Candidacy
At Victor Nitu DDS, we'll evaluate your oral health, jawbone strength, and treatment goals to ensure dental implants are the best fit for your smile and oral health. When you come in to see us, here is what we will look for:
A Strong and Healthy Jawbone
Your jawbone plays a key role in the success of dental implants. That's because the implant post needs to be securely anchored into the bone, just like a natural tooth root. If you've been missing teeth for a while, your jawbone may have started to shrink due to lack of stimulation. But don't worry, this doesn't necessarily mean that you won't qualify for dental implants.
Time to Commit to the Process
Getting dental implants isn't a quick fix. It is a process that takes time, however, the results are worth the wait. From your initial visit with us to the final placement of your permanent crown, implant treatment can span several months.
Here's a quick breakdown of the process:
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First visit: We will perform a dental exam and review your medical and dental history, go over your goals, perform X-rays, and create a treatment plan. When approved for dental implant surgery, we will sechedule your appointment, and the next visit will be dental surgery.
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Implant Placement: We surgically place the implant post into your jawbone.
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Healing period: Your body needs time (usually a few months) to heal and for the implant to fuse with the bone.
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Final restoration: Once the implant is stable, we'll attach your custom-made dental crown, dental bridge, or denture. |
Some treatments, like All-on-4® or implant-supported dentures, may require additional appointments. We'll help you plan every step and make sure the timeline works for your schedule.
Good Oral and Overall Health
Healthy gums are just as important as a healthy jawbone. If you have gum disease, active infections, or untreated dental issues, we'll need to address those before moving forward with implants. We want your dental implant to thrive in a clean, stable environment.
Additionally, certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking, can interfere with the healing process. We'll go over your medical history and work with you to minimize any risks before beginning treatment.
How Jawbone Health Affects Dental Implant Success
A strong jawbone is one of the most important factors when it comes to dental implant candidacy in Peoria. The implant post acts like a natural tooth root, and it needs a solid foundation to remain stable. If your jawbone has weakened due to bone loss (which often occurs after tooth loss), it may not be ready to support an implant right away.
But here's the good news: bone loss doesn't automatically disqualify you. In many cases, we can perform a bone graft to rebuild your jawbone and prepare it for a future implant. This involves placing donor bone material in the affected area, which then fuses with your natural bone over time.
While this process does add a few months to your treatment timeline, it dramatically improves your chances of long-term implant success—and helps ensure that your smile stays strong for years to come.
Does Age Matter for Dental Implants?
Patients often ask if they are too old for dental implants. Age alone is not a barrier to getting dental implants. In fact, many of our patients receiving dental implants in Peoria are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. In general, as long as you're in good general health and your mouth is free of serious infections or untreated dental issues, you may be a great candidate.
That said, younger patients should wait until their jawbone has fully developed before considering dental implant surgery. This occurs typically around the age of 18.
During your consultation, we'll review your medical history, medications, and any conditions (like diabetes or osteoporosis) that could affect healing. Our goal is always to provide safe, effective care for your unique needs.
Can I Get Dental Implants with Crooked or Crowded Teeth?
You don't need a perfectly straight smile to be a candidate for dental implants. However, severely crooked or crowded teeth can sometimes interfere with implant placement. In these cases, we may recommend orthodontic treatment before beginning the implant process.
Straightening your teeth first can create the space needed to properly place your implant. It can also improve your bite and jaw alignment, which contributes to better long-term outcomes.
We'll assess your overall oral health, tooth alignment, and available space during your consultation. If orthodontic treatment is recommended, don't worry, we'll guide you through every step.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Peoria, AZ
Are you wondering if you're a candidate for dental implants in Peoria? The best way to find out is by scheduling a personal consultation with our experienced implant dentist in Peoria. During your visit to , we'll perform a thorough evaluation, review your dental and medical history, and discuss your smile goals.
Even if you've been told before that you're not a candidate for dental implants, advancements in implant technology and bone grafting options may open up new possibilities for you. Our team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that restores your smile, your confidence, and your quality of life.
Don't wait to take the first step. Call us today at (480) 536-8228 to book your consultation and learn more about your options for dental implants in Peoria! |
