Missing teeth affects far more than your smile’s appearance. They impact your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and feel confident in social situations. Losing a tooth leads to the deterioration of surrounding bone tissue, which may alter your facial structure over time. The good news is that modern implants offer a permanent answer that looks, feels, and works just like your natural teeth.
At Burien Signature Dentistry, Dr. Andy Kim helps patients restore their smiles with advanced implant technology. Our practice provides personalized care to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for this life-changing treatment. Our conservative approach means we carefully evaluate every aspect of your health to ensure dental implants are truly the right choice for you, while our focus on preventative care helps set you up for long-term success. We understand that every patient’s situation is unique, which is why we take the time to evaluate your needs and design a treatment plan designed just for you.
General Health Requirements for Dental Implants
Your overall health is essential in determining implant success. Most adults in good general health can be excellent candidates for dental implants. However, certain conditions require special consideration before moving forward with treatment.
Diabetes, if well-controlled, typically doesn’t prevent you from receiving implants. We work with your medical team to ensure your blood sugar levels are stable before and after the procedure. Heart disease, when managed properly with medication, also doesn’t automatically disqualify you from implant treatment.
Some medications may affect healing, particularly blood thinners and certain osteoporosis medications. Dr. Kim reviews your complete medical history and current medications to determine the safest approach for your treatment. We may recommend adjusting timing or coordinating with your physician to optimize your healing potential.
Age is rarely a limiting factor for implants. We’ve successfully placed implants in patients well into their eighties. What matters most is your overall health status and bone quality, not your chronological age.
Oral Health Factors That Support Implant Success
Strong, healthy gums provide the foundation for successful dental implants. Gum disease must be managed and controlled before implant placement can occur. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can interfere with the healing process and potentially cause implant failure.
Sufficient bone density in your jaw is essential for implant stability. When you lose a tooth, the bone that once supported it begins to shrink. This process, called bone resorption, can make implant placement more challenging over time. However, bone grafting procedures can often restore the necessary bone volume to support an implant.
Where your tooth or teeth are missing also plays a role in whether dental implants are right for you. Front teeth typically require different considerations than back teeth due to aesthetic demands and different chewing forces. Dr. Kim evaluates each site individually to ensure optimal placement and long-term success.
Your commitment to excellent oral hygiene significantly impacts implant longevity. While implants can’t develop cavities, the surrounding gums and bone require meticulous care to prevent inflammation and infection.
Lifestyle Considerations for Implant Candidates
Smoking poses the greatest risk to implant success. Tobacco use lowers blood flow to the gums and bone, significantly slowing the healing process. It also increases your risk of infection and implant failure. We strongly recommend quitting smoking before implant surgery and throughout the healing period.
Heavy alcohol consumption also interferes with healing and increases the risk of complications. Moderate alcohol use is generally acceptable, but we discuss your habits openly to ensure the best possible outcome.
Your eating habits don’t typically disqualify you from receiving implants, but we provide guidance on foods to avoid during healing. Once fully healed, you can enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction, including crunchy apples, nuts, and corn on the cob.
Teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, requires special attention. This habit can place excessive force on implants and surrounding teeth. We often recommend a custom-made night guard to protect your investment and ensure long-term success.
When Implants May Not Be the Best Choice
Certain situations may require alternative treatments or additional procedures before implant placement. Uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer treatment, or recent radiation therapy to the head and neck area typically require waiting until your condition stabilizes.
Very heavy smoking habits that you’re unable to modify may make other tooth replacement options more appropriate. Some autoimmune conditions or immunosuppressive medications can also affect healing and implant integration.
Growing children and teenagers usually aren’t candidates for implants because their jawbones are still developing. We typically wait until growth is complete, usually around age 18 for girls and age 21 for boys, before considering implant treatment.
Financial considerations are also important to discuss. While implants represent an excellent long-term investment, the initial cost is higher than that of other tooth replacement options. We offer Cherry Financing and accept various insurance plans to make treatment more accessible.
Restore Your Smile with Burien Signature Dentistry
To see if dental implants are right for you, we need to do a complete check-up. Dr. Andy Kim brings advanced training from his Advanced Education in General Dentistry program to every consultation, ensuring you receive the most current and effective treatment options. Our practice has helped countless patients in Burien and surrounding communities regain their confidence and oral function through carefully planned implant treatment.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental PPO, MetLife, Cigna Dental, and many others, to help make your treatment more affordable. Our team takes the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kim.
