Losing a tooth can feel overwhelming. It affects more than just your smile; it impacts how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. If you have been hiding your grin in photos or avoiding your favorite foods, you might be looking for a permanent solution. Dental implants are often the gold standard for tooth replacement, but are they right for you?
At Vaca Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Longview, TX, Dr. David Vaca has been setting the standard for dental care in the East Texas area for over 20 years. We help patients restore their confidence with natural-looking tooth replacement options every day. Let’s walk through the checklist for success to see if you might be a candidate.
The Dental Implant Candidate Checklist
A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, excellent oral hygiene, and a commitment to maintaining long-term dental health
Not everyone is automatically ready for surgery, but most healthy adults are great candidates. Here are the major factors Dr. Vaca looks for:
1. Healthy Gums
Your gums are the foundation for the implant. If you have active gum disease (periodontal disease), it can threaten the stability of the implant. We need to treat any existing infection before moving forward to ensure success.
2. Sufficient Bone Density
Implants are anchored directly into your jawbone. For the implant to hold, you need enough bone mass to support it. If you have experienced bone loss due to long-term tooth absence, you might need a bone graft first to build that foundation back up.
3. Good General Health
Since placing an implant is a surgical procedure, your overall health matters. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can slow down healing. Smoking is also a significant risk factor that can cause implants to fail. Being open about your medical history helps us plan the safest route for you.
4. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
An implant can’t get cavities, but the gums around it can still get infected. The best candidates are those committed to brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Vaca Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for regular checkups.
The Implant Process: What to Expect
Understanding the journey can make the decision easier. The process isn’t instant, but the results are worth the wait.
- Consultation: It starts with a visit to Dr. Vaca. We use advanced imaging to assess your bone and gum health.
- Placement: The implant post—a small titanium screw—is surgically placed into the jawbone. This acts as the new tooth root.
- Osseointegration: This is the healing phase. Over a few months, your jawbone grows around the post, locking it in place securely.
- Restoration: Once healed, Dr. Vaca attaches a custom-made crown that matches the shade and shape of your natural teeth perfectly.
The Difference Implants Make in Daily Life
Why go through this process instead of choosing dentures or bridges? The difference lies in stability and lifestyle.
Traditional dentures can slip, click, or cause irritation. Implants stay put. You can bite into a crisp apple or chew a steak without worrying about your teeth moving. They also stimulate your jawbone, preventing the sunken facial appearance often associated with tooth loss.
Ultimately, dental implants offer freedom. You gain the freedom to laugh loudly, eat what you want, and smile without hesitation.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you checked off the items on this list, you are likely a great candidate for dental implants. Don’t let missing teeth dictate your life any longer. Trust your smile to Dr. David Vaca, a leader in East Texas dentistry for two decades.
Schedule your consultation at Vaca Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.
Contact Vaca Cosmetic & Family Dentistry:
903-663-0861
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3121 H G Mosley Pkwy
Longview, Texas
85605
