Dental implants are a type of cosmetic procedure that involves putting posts into the jawbone and then securing prosthetic teeth to them. They are realistic-looking and pretty durable, making them a great option for those with missing teeth. However, for this procedure to be effective, you need to show these signs as a potential candidate.

Adequate Jaw Bone

Probably the most pivotal structure in regards to dental implants is the aforementioned post that is inserted into the jawbone. You need to be aware that there needs to be enough jawbone for the post to grip into bone like a screw going into wood. If there isn't, the post could come out and cause damage to surrounding structures.

Since you can't tell if you have enough jawbone for this procedure, you'll need to schedule a consultation with a dentist that puts in dental implants. They'll screen your mouth and see exactly how much jawbone is available for the posts. 

Non-Smoking

A particularly bad habit you could have when considering dental implants is smoking. It has a lot of negative side-effects, and that goes for your overall oral health. Typically, those that smoke have a hard time for their oral structures to heal. That's not a good thing for dental implants because healing has to take place, and it needs to happen quickly.

Thus, if you're really thinking about dental implants, make sure you're not a smoker. If you are, you'll need to stop months in advance of the procedure and still go in to make sure your smoking past hasn't comprised your eligibility to receive dental implants. 

Patient

It sounds like a superficial quality to have for dental implants, but being patient is key. This process will last for a couple of months after all, so being patient is crucial in not stressing and making the most out of everything.

Your jawbone will be drilled into, your gums will heal around the posts, and the prosthetic tooth will be made in a lab. A lot of healing also goes on throughout every stage, and being patient with each step will make getting implants less stressful overall.

Many see dental implants as a way to get back their complete smile. It is an incredible procedure, but even so, you want to look into this process and really find out if you're a suitable candidate. If you do and it turns out you're a great candidate, you can move forward at a time that's appropriate.   

For more info on dental implants, talk to a dentist.