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Over the past several years, modern dental implants have evolved into what dental experts call the “gold standard” for tooth replacement. Although early dental implant designs weren’t for everyone, current implant treatments are an option for more people than ever before. Still, there are some basic qualifications you’ll need to meet if you want dental implant treatment in The Woodlands or Conroe.

You Have Missing Teeth

Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth. They are not the type of restoration that goes over or around natural teeth, the way other treatments do. The typical implant candidate will be an adult with fully developed oral anatomy, and a congenitally missing tooth (one they were born without) or a tooth lost due to another reason.

You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted

Perhaps you have a problematic, non-restorable tooth that needs to be extracted. Following a dental extraction, you will need to have a tooth replacement plan already in place. Otherwise, that extra space will cause shifting in the surrounding bite (including opposing teeth.) If you’re having our doctors at PCE extract your tooth because of advanced periodontal disease, we can streamline the process to be paired along with the placement of your dental implant.

You’re Tired of Wearing Dentures, Partials

Traditional “plates” (dentures) and removable partials are a classic tooth replacement option. But for a lot of people, they don’t offer the comfort and stability of having a natural set of teeth. Dental implants do. Upgrading your current prosthesis to a set of permanent dental implants can provide you with a wider choice of foods and improved self-confidence. Depending on the specifications of your needs, our doctors at PCE will help you plan the best hybrid or fixed implant design for your unique smile.

You’re Relatively Healthy

It’s best that dental implant candidates have healthy gum tissues and generally good overall wellness. If you have existing medical conditions or are taking prescription drugs, please be sure to communicate those issues at the time of your initial consultation. Working with a specialist will ensure that even “non-traditional” implant candidates have access to care when appropriate.

There’s Room to Install the Implant

Last but not least, there needs to be physical space and bone to place the implant into. Depending on your tooth placement, there may be alternatives to consider. Keep in mind that the area where the implant is going to be installed does need to be healthy and structurally sound. A certain amount of bone support is necessary. Fortunately, adjunctive therapies such as bone grafting and tissue augmentation (among others) can allow for a predictable implant treatment even if you’ve gone quite some time with missing teeth.

Contact Our Implant Specialist

In The Woodlands and Conroe, patients trust our highly experienced implant specialist. As one of the area’s most skilled periodontists, we deliver a comprehensive range of dental implant services in the greater North Houston communities.

Contact us today to reserve an appointment to find out if you qualify.