1. Act sooner rather than later—Dental implants are attached directly to the jawbone. Once a tooth is lost, the bone that supported that tooth will normally begin to shrink. The sooner you act in replacing the missing tooth, the greater the bone mass Dr. Jackson has to work with in attaching your implant successfully.
2. Practice good oral hygiene—The best candidates for dental implants are free of periodontal disease, which is a serious disease of the gums. By diligently brushing and flossing, along with scheduling regular dental exams with Dr. Jackson, you can ensure that you are doing all that you can to protect both your teeth and gums.
3. Tobacco and alcohol—Non-smokers and patients who do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol best qualify for implant procedures, although smoking does not automatically disqualify an individual. Limit or quit practices that can damage your oral and general health.
4. Upkeep—Having dental implants does not relieve an individual from the need for good oral hygiene. Caring for dental implants in the same manner as original teeth will ensure satisfying results for many years to come.
Most adults qualify for dental implants and there is no age limit for receiving this life changing procedure. If you have questions, or require help with any other matter pertaining to your oral health, contact Dr. Jackson today. At The Chicago Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, Chicago area residents receive the professional assistance needed to ensure healthy smiles each and every day.