Missing a tooth changes more than just your smile. It affects how you chew, speak, and feel about yourself. If you are considering a permanent solution, dental implants are often the gold standard. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. But how do you know if they are right for you?
At St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville, MD, we help patients from Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and beyond reclaim their smiles. Dr. Gina McCray, a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association, and Dr. Kara McCray Demer use advanced technology to ensure every implant procedure is a success. Here is a checklist to help you determine if you are a prime candidate for dental implants.
An ideal dental implant candidate has good oral health, sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, no chronic conditions, and a commitment to maintaining excellent dental hygiene practices
1. Do You Have Healthy Gums?
The success of a dental implant relies heavily on the health of the surrounding tissue. Gum disease (periodontal disease) can undermine the stability of an implant. Before we can proceed with implantation, your gums need to be free of infection. If you have a history of gum disease, don’t worry—it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. We simply need to treat the condition first to create a healthy foundation for your new smile.
2. Is Your Bone Density Sufficient?
This is often the most critical factor. An implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. For this to work, there must be enough quality bone to support the post securely.
At St. Mary’s Dental, we don’t guess about your bone structure. We use a state-of-the-art 3D CAT scanner. This advanced imaging gives Dr. McCray and Dr. Demer a much more complete view of your jaw than typical X-rays can provide. We can see the exact density and volume of your bone, allowing us to determine optimal placement. If your bone is too thin or soft, we can identify necessary prep work, such as bone grafts, to build up the area before surgery.
3. Are You Committed to Oral Hygiene?
Implants are not “set it and forget it.” While they cannot get cavities, the gums around them can still get infected if not properly cleaned. A good candidate must be committed to excellent oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular checkups at our Mechanicsville office. Your long-term success depends on how well you care for your investment.
4. Overall Health Considerations
Certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices can affect healing.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of implant failure. We strongly advise quitting or significantly reducing usage before the procedure.
- Chronic Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases can impact how your body accepts the implant. However, if your condition is managed well, you may still be a candidate.
The St. Mary’s Dental Difference
Choosing the right provider is just as important as meeting physical criteria. Dr. Gina McCray’s fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association signifies a commitment to the highest standards of implant dentistry. Our precise planning using 3D technology ensures that we place implants exactly where they need to be for stability and aesthetics.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
The only way to know for sure if you are a candidate is through a professional evaluation. If you are in Mechanicsville, Charlotte Hall, or Leonardtown, let us help you restore your confidence.
Contact St. Mary’s Dental today to schedule your implant consultation.
Contact St. Mary’s Dental:
301-884-3248
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
28169 Old Village Rd
Mechanicsville, Maryland
20659
