Who makes a good candidate for implants?

Your mouth should be examined by both a restorative dentist and an oral surgeon before the decision to perform the dental implant procedure is made.The surgeon determines the condition of your jaws and gums while the dentist assesses the fit of the present dentures or the tooth gap. They may also take X-rays and/or computer images, and the dentist will make replicas of your teeth and jaws.

Factors which may affect the decision to use implants include diabetes and allergies, along with any medications you take, alcohol and drug use, and smoking. Very few medical conditions actually rule out the use of dental implants. The health of your gums and oral tissues and the shape of your jaws are also important factors in the decision to use dental implants.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implantation is a three-stage process:

	A first surgery places the implants under your gums, inside the jaw. When the bone grows in around the implants, they become firmly fixed. This is called biointegration or osseointegration. In order for osseointegration to occur, the implants must remain covered for four to six months.
	After the healing period, a second, shorter surgery is performed to expose the implants and place abutments (securing pins) into the implant shafts. The abutments will be used to hold the new teeth.
	In the third and final phase, the restorative dentist creates and fits the replacement teeth to your mouth. This involves making impressions, bite registrations (aligning the teeth so that they come together correctly), bridge fittings and tooth and color selection.