If you're suffering from premature tooth loss associated with periodontal gum disease, it's time to start considering a permanent replacement option for your missing teeth. While dentures are a viable replacement option, they're not permanent. That's where dental implants come into play. Unlike dentures that must be taken out and cleaned, dental implants are permanently affixed to your jaw. Once in place, dental implants look, feel, and act just like your natural teeth. Since the implantation is a surgical procedure, your dentist will need to determine whether you are a good candidate. Here are three signs that implants are right for you.

Your Jaw Bone Is Intact

Periodontal gum disease causes damage to your gums and jaw. In severe cases, the disease eats away at the jaw bone, leaving it weakened and thin. Unfortunately, in order for dental implants to be successful, your jaw bone needs to be intact. Before you can have the implant procedure, you dentist will examine your jaw bone.

If there isn't sufficient bone, your dentist may be able to perform a bone graft. During the grafting procedure, your dentist will implant either synthetic grafting material or shavings from your own bones into your jaw. Once the graft has bonded and you've developed sufficient bone density, the dentist will be able to perform the implant procedure.

You're Physically Healthy

Because there is significant healing time required for the implant procedure, your dentist will need to ensure that you're physically healthy. Unfortunately, there are some medical conditions that may preclude you from having implants. This is due to the fact that some medical conditions interfere with your body's ability to heal properly. Diabetes is one medical condition that may interfere with your ability to receive dental implants. If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes, you should wait until it's under control before undergoing the dental-implant procedure.

You're a Non-Smoker

If you're a non-smoker, dental implants may be a viable option for tooth replacement. Smoking can lead to serious complications during the implant procedure. First, smoking hinders your body's ability to heal properly. Second, smoking may increase your chances of developing a post-operative infection. Finally, smoking may lead to implant failure. If you smoke and would like to have dental implants, you should talk to your dentist about a smoking cessation program.

If you've suffered permanent tooth loss and are considering dental implants, be sure to talk to a restorative dentistry such as Staller & Gandel D.D.S near you.