The number of Americans with missing teeth continues to rise due to factors such as poor oral hygiene and increased sugar consumption. A big percentage of these are fine with the missing teeth, but those who aren't, seek to replace the missing teeth.  

There are many tooth replacement options, but the best possible option is dental implants, as they are currently the closest thing you can have to a natural tooth. The implants are biocompatible and will afford you the same biting power you use with the rest of your natural teeth. However, there are several factors that might impede your eligibility for dental implants. These factors include:

Smoking

Tobacco smoking is associated with conditions such as tissue loss, bone loss, periodontal disease, and even dental implant failure. As a result, people who smoke are advised to stop smoking for a while to improve the success rate of dental implant surgery.

Smoking is considered a risk factor, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify you from dental implants. However, your dental surgeon will seek to obtain your smoking history, duration, and intensity. The surgeon will also want to know if you're still smoking and request you to cease smoking. It's up to the dental surgeon to decide whether you're a high-risk patient or eligible for the surgery.

Bone density

If you have decreased bone density, you might want to consult a dentist before you schedule a dental implant surgery. This is because dental surgeons typically consider factors such as bone density to determine whether you're a perfect fit. Patients who've experienced bone loss are also eligible for dental implant surgery, but after additional treatment, such as sinus lifts and bone grafts. These treatments will provide the extra support needed for dental implants.

Chronic illness

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, may impact your recovery after dental implant surgery. This means that if you're taking medication such as blood thinners for your cardiovascular conditions, you might want to consult your dental surgeon before you decide to get dental implants.

Everyone is eligible for dental implants regardless of whether you smoke daily, have gum diseases, suffer from chronic illness, or have decreased bone density. These conditions will pose a few problems, especially during recovery, but with proper consultation and planning with the right specialists, you can get dental implants with little to no issues.

If the dentist determines that you're not eligible, they can always recommend other alternatives that better suit your condition. Contact your local dentist to learn more about dental implants.