Am I a Prime Candidate for Dental Implants? A Checklist for Success

mature woman smiling on a couch, new dental implantsLosing a tooth can affect everything from your smile and confidence to your ability to enjoy your favorite foods. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a durable, natural-looking solution: dental implants. These revolutionary tooth replacements function just like your natural teeth, providing a permanent fix for gaps in your smile. But are they the right choice for you?

At Matlach Dental, we believe an informed patient is a healthy patient. Dr. Robert Matlach, your implant dentist in Huntington, NY, has created this simple checklist to help you understand the key factors that contribute to a successful dental implant procedure.

Your Dental Implant Candidacy Checklist

A good candidate for dental implants typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, good oral hygiene, and a commitment to maintaining long-term dental health

Dental implants have a high success rate, but certain conditions must be met to ensure the best possible outcome. Consider the following points:

1. You Have Good Overall Health

Candidates for dental implants should be in good general health. Uncontrolled chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can affect the healing process. During your consultation, Dr. Matlach will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe and effective for you.

2. You Possess Adequate Jawbone Density

A dental implant needs a strong foundation. It is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time. If you have experienced significant bone loss—often a consequence of a missing tooth—you may not have enough bone structure to support an implant. However, procedures like bone grafting can often solve this issue.

3. Your Gums are Healthy

Healthy gums are essential for implant success. Gum disease, or periodontitis, can compromise the stability of an implant and must be treated before proceeding with implant surgery. A commitment to good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is crucial.

4. You Are a Non-Smoker (or Willing to Quit)

Smoking can significantly hinder your body’s ability to heal and increases the risk of implant failure. The habit restricts blood flow to the gums, which is vital for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. If you smoke, Dr. Matlach will discuss a plan to quit, at least temporarily, before and after your procedure.

Your Trusted Implant Expert in Huntington

Choosing the right dentist is the most critical step. Dr. Robert Matlach has proudly served the Huntington, Centerport, and Northport communities for over 20 years. His dedication to excellence led him to complete a yearlong, intensive program in dental implantology in 2018. Upon completion, he was awarded a prestigious fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), recognizing his advanced skill and knowledge in the field.

What truly sets Matlach Dental apart is our comprehensive approach. Dr. Matlach performs the entire implant dentistry process in our single, state-of-the-art office. From the initial diagnosis and 3D imaging to the surgical placement and final restoration, your care is managed by one trusted team. This eliminates the need to travel between different specialists, ensuring seamless, convenient, and personalized treatment from start to finish.

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Matlach today to find out if you are a candidate.

Contact Matlach Dental:

631-421-3388

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

158 E Main St Ste 5
Huntington, New York
11743