Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? 5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Believe it or not, the average adult has three or more decaying or missing permanent teeth. Dental implants can help you achieve a full set of teeth and a beautiful smile by replacing missing or extracted teeth with permanent crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Your overall oral health, bone density, and lifestyle habits all play a role in whether dental implants are a good option for you. Before committing to the procedure, it’s important to have an open conversation with your dentist. 

Asking the right questions can help you understand the benefits, risks, costs, and alternatives, so you can make the best decision for your smile. Here are five key questions to ask your dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you. 

Visit Adam Cottrill, DMD, at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, for a customized smile restoration treatment plan.

Candidates for dental implants

You might be a candidate for dental implants if you meet the following criteria:

• Have a jawbone that’s fully grown
• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have enough jawbone to anchor dental implants, or are eligible for bone grafting
• Don’t have a condition affecting bone healing
• Have healthy mouth tissues
• Would like to improve your speech
• Can’t or would rather not wear removable dentures
• Don’t smoke
• Are committed to several months of treatment

Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry offers a variety of treatments, including dental veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options, as well as dental implants. Dr. Cottrill helps you determine which is the most appropriate for your specific needs.

Who shouldn’t get dental implants?

You might NOT be a candidate for dental implants if you:

• Are younger than 18
• Have untreated or active gum disease
• Have severe jawbone loss
• Have poor oral hygiene habits
• Smoke or vape
• Have extensive tooth decay
• Have a bone disorder or certain autoimmune diseases

However, everyone’s situation is different. The only way to know for certain if you’re a candidate for dental implants at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Cottrill. 

5 questions about dental implants to consider

Here are some questions to consider asking Dr. Cottrill if you’re interested in dental implants.

1. Will I need jawbone grafting?

Dr. Cottrill determines if you’re a candidate for dental implants based on the amount of jawbone you have and its density. He can use dental X-rays and other methods to determine whether you might first need jawbone grafting before being considered for dental implants. 

2. Does my insurance cover the procedure?

Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry can determine how much of a dental implant procedure your insurance company may cover and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. This is important information to consider before undergoing the procedure. 

3. Which dental implants are best suited for me?

There are a variety of dental implants to choose from, including All-on-4®, 3-on-6™, Teeth in a Day, and more. Dr. Cottrill works with you to determine the most appropriate implant type based on your jawbone strength, lifestyle, and preferences. 

4. How long will the treatment process take?

Dr. Cottrill is an excellent person to ask about your unique treatment process. The length of treatment varies based on several factors, including whether you need bone grafting, full-mouth reconstruction, or similar treatments, as well as the type of implants you receive and your overall health. 

Getting dental implants is a multiple-step process. Knowing what to expect ahead of time is helpful. 

5. What will my dietary restrictions be?

You’ll need to follow a soft-food diet or have other dietary restrictions throughout certain phases of the dental implant process, particularly after jawbone grafting and dental implant (metal post) placement into your jawbone. 

During your next routine professional teeth cleaning or a separate appointment at Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, chat with Dr. Cottrill about your dental implant questions. Call our office or request an appointment online today.