Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? A Checklist for Success in San Jose
Losing a tooth affects more than just your smile. It changes how you chew, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself. If you are tired of hiding your smile in photos or struggling with uncomfortable dentures, you have likely heard about dental implants. They are the gold standard for tooth replacement, but are they right for you?
At Beveridge Dental in San Jose, Dr. Stephen Beveridge and Dr. Erin Beveridge Cabuling help patients regain their confidence every day. Serving our neighbors in San Jose, Los Gatos, Campbell, and Willow Glen, we specialize in restoring smiles with precision and care. Here is your checklist for dental implant success.
Major Factors That Make You an Ideal Candidate
A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, excellent oral hygiene, no chronic illnesses, and a commitment to long-term dental care
Not everyone is automatically ready for implant surgery, but most adults can become candidates with the right preparation. The ideal candidate generally meets these criteria:
- Healthy Gums: Periodontal disease can undermine the stability of an implant. Your gums need to be free of infection to tightly seal around the new implant.
- Sufficient Bone Density: The implant is a titanium post that fuses with your jawbone. If you have lost bone mass due to long-term tooth loss, we may need to discuss bone grafting to build a solid foundation first.
- Good Overall Health: Because placing implants requires a minor surgical procedure, you need to be healthy enough to undergo treatment and heal properly. Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can slow healing.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Implants are durable, but they still require brushing, flossing, and regular checkups at our San Jose office to last a lifetime.
- Non-Smoker Status: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure by restricting blood flow to the gums. Quitting or pausing smoking is often necessary for success.
Why Consider Implants? Fixing Common Smile Flaws
Dental implants do more than just fill a gap. They are the only restorative option that replaces the tooth root, which helps preserve your jawbone structure. Here are the smile flaws they fix and why you should consider them:
- Missing Teeth: Whether you are missing a single tooth or an entire arch, implants provide a permanent, non-removable solution.
- Loose Dentures: If your dentures slip when you talk or eat, implant-supported dentures can lock them in place for total stability.
- Sunken Facial Features: When you lose teeth, your jawbone shrinks, leading to a premature “aged” look. Implants stimulate the bone, keeping your facial structure youthful.
- Difficulty Chewing: Implants restore almost 100% of your bite force, allowing you to enjoy apples, steak, and nuts without worry.
The Dental Implants Procedure: What to Expect in San Jose
Understanding the process can ease any anxiety you might feel. At Beveridge Dental, Dr. Stephen Beveridge and Dr. Erin Beveridge Cabuling guide you through a predictable, three-step journey:
- Placement: We surgically place the titanium implant post into your jawbone. This acts as the new “root.” We ensure you are comfortable and numb throughout this visit.
- Osseointegration (Healing): Over the next few months, your jawbone grows around the post, locking it in place. This fusion is what makes implants so strong.
- Restoration: Once healed, we attach a custom-crafted crown, bridge, or denture to the implant. Your new teeth will be color-matched to look completely natural.
If you are in San Jose, Los Gatos, Campbell, or Willow Glen and are ready to transform your smile, contact our team today.
408-267-2303
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
Beveridge Dental
3535 Ross Ave Ste 300
San Jose, CA 95124
