Are You a Dental Implant Candidate? The Ultimate Riverview Checklist
If you’ve heard that implants are only for ideal, never-had-a-cavity patients, good news: that’s a myth. Today’s planning tools, grafting materials, and implant designs help most healthy adults restore missing teeth with predictable success. Use this complete candidacy checklist to prepare for your free consultation at Best Value Dentures & Implants – Riverview.
1) Health Snapshot: Can You Heal Predictably?
- Age: Adults of almost any age can receive implants. Seniors do very well when bone and health are stable.
- Systemic Health: Controlled medical conditions (like well-managed diabetes or hypertension) usually don’t preclude implants. We coordinate with your physician if needed.
- Medications: Some medications (e.g., certain osteoporosis drugs, immunosuppressants) may require special planning. Bring a list to your consult.
- Smoking/Vaping: Nicotine reduces blood flow and slows healing. We’ll discuss strategies to improve success if you’re a current smoker.
- Pregnancy: Elective implant procedures are often postponed until after delivery.
Self-check: Can you follow aftercare instructions, take medications as directed, and attend a few brief follow-up visits? If yes, you’re on the right track.
2) Bone & Gum Baseline: Do You Have a Solid Foundation?
- Bone Volume: A 3D cone-beam scan measures bone height and width. Even if volume is limited,
bone grafting or
sinus lifts can rebuild support.
- Gum Health: Healthy gums protect implants. If there’s inflammation or infection, we’ll address it first for long-term success.
- Site Condition: Recent extractions may benefit from
socket preservation to maintain ridge contours for a future implant.
Self-check: If you’ve worn a denture for years and feel like the gums have “shrunk,” you may need grafting—but that’s common and highly predictable today.
3) Bite Forces & Habits: Will Your Implant Be Protected?
- Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding): Not a deal-breaker—just a reason to choose durable materials and a protective nightguard.
- Diet & Lifestyle: Once healed, you’ll enjoy a broad diet again. If you love super-hard foods (ice chewers, we see you!), we’ll coach you on sensible habits.
Self-check: Are you willing to wear a nightguard if recommended? It’s a small step that protects a very big investment.
4) Esthetic Goals: What Do You Want to See in the Mirror?
- Smile Line: Front-tooth implants require careful planning for perfect symmetry and gum scallop.
- Tooth Shape & Shade: Bring inspirational photos; we’ll match existing teeth or design a refreshed look.
- Lip Support: Full-arch solutions can carefully add support where bone has resorbed, restoring youthful balance.
Self-check: Can you point to photos or describe what you like? The more you share, the more we can tailor design.
5) Daily Care: Are You Ready for Simple, Consistent Hygiene?
- At Home: Brush twice daily; clean under/around your implant with floss-threaders or a water flosser.
- In Office: Routine professional cleanings and checks keep the tissues healthy and screws snug.
- Lifestyle: Tobacco cessation, balanced nutrition, and regular dental visits all support long-term success.
Self-check: Are you already good about brushing and checkups? Great! If not, implants can be your motivation to lock in excellent habits.
6) Timeline & Patience: Can You Give Biology Time?
- Immediate vs. Staged: Some sites allow same-day implant placement (and occasionally a temporary tooth). Others require grafting and healing first.
- Integration: Expect
8–16+ weeks for bone to fuse to the implant before finalizing the crown/bridge (timelines vary by site and biology).
- Temporaries: We’ll keep you looking complete during healing with temporary solutions.
Self-check: Are you comfortable with a phased approach if it’s best for long-term success? If yes, you’re already thinking like a great candidate.
7) Budget & Planning: Do You Have a Payment Path?
- Clear Estimates: We provide line-item treatment plans—no hidden add-ons.
- Financing: Choose from interest-free or extended-term options to create a monthly payment that fits.
- Best Price Guarantee on implants: Shop with confidence; we’re intentional about affordability.
Self-check: Would a monthly plan make this attainable now? If so, financing can bridge the gap between “want” and “done.”
8) Which Implant Solution Matches Your Goals?
- Single Implant + Crown: Ideal when one tooth is missing; protects neighbors and preserves bone.
- Implant Bridge (2+ Implants): Replaces multiple adjacent teeth without prepping natural teeth.
- Snap-In Overdenture (2–4+ Implants): Removable but
rock-steady during the day; budget-friendly stability upgrade.
- Fixed Hybrid (All-on-4/6): Non-removable, palateless, and closest to natural teeth for full-arch cases.
Self-check: Rank your priorities—stability, budget, speed, and cleanability. We’ll help you choose accordingly.
9) Red Flags We’ll Resolve First (So You Still Qualify)
- Active gum infection: Treat first for a healthy foundation.
- Uncontrolled systemic conditions: Coordinate with your physician to stabilize health.
- Severe bone loss: Plan predictable grafting or consider strategic implant placement (angulation, zygomatic options in specialty cases).
Takeaway: “Not right now” is not “never.” With today’s tools, most barriers are solvable.
10) What a Great Candidate Looks Like
- You understand the timeline and are committed to aftercare.
- You’re open about your health history and medications.
- You prioritize long-term function and are ready to maintain your investment.
- You’re excited to eat confidently, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation.
Your Riverview Roadmap From First Visit to Final Smile
- Free Consultation & 3D Scan: We evaluate bone, gums, and your goals.
- Personalized Plan: Single tooth, multi-tooth, or full arch—plus any foundation work.
- Comfort-Focused Procedure: Local anesthetic (and sedation when appropriate).
- Healing & Temporaries: Look complete while your body integrates the implants.
- Final Restoration: Custom esthetics and a stable, comfortable bite.
- Maintenance & Protection: Easy home care and routine checkups; nightguard if indicated.
Ready to Check Every Box?
Bring your questions and any previous X-rays. We’ll take it from there—clearly, comfortably, and affordably.
Call Best Value Dentures & Implants – Riverview at (813) 568-1118 or visit us at 10555 Bloomingdale Ridge Dr, Riverview, FL 33578. Ask about our Best Price Guarantee on implants, free implant consultations, and flexible financing that fits your monthly budget.
