Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Medford, OR
 Dental implants are the best method of restoring lost teeth. Unfortunately, there is a lot of conflicting and confusing information out there about who is a candidate. Rogue Valley Dental Center has found that many patients who have been told they are not a good candidate for implants in fact are, so read on to find out if you may actually qualify.
Great Candidates for Implants
A great candidate for dental implants will have good oral hygiene, even if they are missing all or most of their teeth. You may currently have another restorative prosthesis, such as a dental bridge or dentures, and are looking to upgrade to a healthier option. Or you may still have the teeth you are looking to replace with implants. To maintain your candidacy, we recommend a ridge augmentation or tooth socket graft after your teeth are extracted. This will keep the bone from deteriorating, which may hinder your candidacy.
What Disqualifies a Candidate?
There are several different health conditions that can complicate a safe, successful dental implant placement. Gum disease is a major one, as many patients with advanced periodontal disease are missing teeth that can be replaced by implants. If you are currently experiencing a case of gum disease, this will have to be fully treated before receiving implants. Another major condition is a weak or thin jawbone. Bone grafting will likely be required prior to implantation. Candidates also cannot smoke or use tobacco.
Getting a Second Opinion
Implant technology is rapidly evolving. You may have been told previously that you are not a candidate. We urge you to visit us for a second consultation. We have had great success with helping patients receive implants despite being previously denied. How do we do this? Many patients have preexisting conditions that might normally disqualify them, such as periodontal disease or poor bone density, but that can now be treated with a high degree of efficacy. There are also newer types of implants designed to accommodate patients with certain pre-existing conditions. One popular example is the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, which is designed to be graftless, meaning that no bone grafting is necessary.
Non-Candidates
We want all of our patients who need implants to have the opportunity to receive them, but that is not always a possibility. What can you do if implants are not an option? If you are missing just a few teeth then a dental bridge can be a great choice. This can support a high-quality crown similar to an implant. If you are missing more teeth, then a partial or full denture may be best. Dentures have come a long way and are more comfortable and effective than they have ever been.
Want to Be a Candidate?
If you want to find out whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants and find out if dental implants are affordable for you, call (541) 779-4517. Rogue Valley Dental Center can discuss your options with you and help you gain a smile you can be truly proud of.
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Rogue Valley Dental Center 
