About 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. While that doesn't seem like it would always be a big deal, missing teeth can create other problems in the mouth over time, such as spacing issues or cracks on the teeth that compensate for the missing one.

With so many people dealing with missing teeth, permanent dental implants are a popular option, as they look and feel like a regular tooth and allow you to eat normally. However, you definitely need to consult with your dentist to make sure you're in a good position to get the surgery. Here are characteristic of people who are the best candidates for dental implants:

Adults

Even though children can lose teeth in accidents or from other situations, usually only adults should receive dental implants. Since the dental implants are attached to the jaw bone, it's best to wait until the bones have stopped growing. Remember, though, that there's no age limit on having the smile you want. You don't have to let your old age stop you from talking to your dentist about this option. 

People With Good Health

Because getting dental implants is a surgery, you will have to spend time afterward healing and recovering. If you have an illness or disease that prevents your body from healing, you could develop more problems from the implants. Gum disease would make it difficult for the gums to heal post-surgery. But even illnesses that aren't usually associated with the oral cavity can be a problem, such as cancer, immune system disorders, or hemophilia. Consult with your dentist if you have an illness that could affect the success of your dental implants. 

People With Enough Jawbone Mass

Permanent dental implants are posts that are secured to the jaw bone in place of the tooth, so the jaw bone needs to have enough mass for the implant to be set properly. However, if a consultation reveals that you don't have the necessary bone mass for the surgery, talk to your dentist about doing a bone graft. That will add mass to your jawbone, making dental implants more of a possibility for you. 

Nonsmokers

Heavy smoking will prevent your mouth and gums from healing the way they need to after the surgery. The same goes for other drug abuse. Being able to abstain for a time will increase your chances of being eligible for the surgery. If you can quit, it will also help your oral hygiene in the future, ensuring that your dental implants and the rest of your teeth have fewer problems. 

Someone Willing to Commit to Oral Health

Getting permanent dental implants doesn't remove the need to care for your teeth. You will still need to brush, floss, and keep your regular dental checkups. If you weren't diligent in the past, perhaps contributing to the need to get the implants in the first place, you can start fresh. If you are willing to commit to doing everything you can to keep your mouth healthy, you should be able to have the beautiful smile you desire. 

The only person who can tell you for sure if you're a good candidate for permanent dental implants or not is a dentist. So, if you want to get your beautiful smile back, visit your dentist for more information.