As other people radiate their killer confidence with a gorgeous smile, you may be hiding your smile from the world because you don't want the unsightly gaps left behind by missing front teeth to be seen by others.

Missing teeth can kill your confidence and lower your self-esteem, making you pull away from other people in daily social interactions. Luckily, there are many tooth replacement services offered by dentists today. 

Dental implant treatment is perhaps the most popular of these solutions because it is stable and sturdy, looks and feels natural and also lasts longer than alternative treatment options. If you're contemplating undergoing dental implant treatment to replace your missing front teeth, you should know that it's not for everyone. 

To benefit from implant-supported replacement teeth, you will need to meet the following criteria:

Have a healthy jawbone 

Because a dental implant needs to be attached to the bone in your jaw, there has to be sufficient jawbone to allow for proper securement of the implant. If you have suffered significant jawbone deterioration following the loss of a tooth, your dentist will not have enough healthy bone to work with. If they go on to fuse implants with the bone in your jaw, the implants may not be as strong or last as long as they should. 

If you lack sufficient jawbone, you may need to undergo a bone-grafting procedure to replace missing or damaged bone before being considered eligible for dental implant treatment. 

Have healthy gums

The gums in your mouth conceal the roots of your teeth, thus protecting them from plaque that may cause gum disease. If your gums are not healthy, they can allow disease-causing bacteria to advance deep into your root canals, leading to serious root canal damage. This can be detrimental to retention of your teeth over the long term. 

If your dentist determines that you have gum disease, they will recommend treatment before dental implant treatment can be considered.

Have good overall health

It is not just the health of your jawbone, gums and entire mouth that determines your eligibility for dental implant treatment – your overall health also matters. If your dentist establishes that you're suffering from certain health conditions that may exacerbate if you undergo a dental implant procedure, the treatment may need to be postponed until the prevailing conditions have been effectively treated. 

Aside from the above-reviewed factors, a qualified dentist can also identify other factors that may affect your eligibility for dental implant treatment. To know if this teeth replacement solution is right for you, schedule a dental consultation today.