A missing tooth affects more than your smile. It can change the way you chew, speak, and feel about yourself. Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking, long-lasting ways to replace lost teeth. They aren’t the right fit for everyone, though, and knowing where you stand is the first step toward a confident decision.
At McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry in Shelby Township, Dr. Brittany McKinley-Holloway helps patients understand their options so they can move forward with clarity. Here’s what makes someone a strong candidate for dental implants.
McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry’s dental implant candidates has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone support, good overall oral health, and is committed to maintaining excellent dental hygiene
Sufficient Jawbone Density
An implant is a small titanium post that fuses with your jawbone and acts like a natural tooth root. For that bond to form, you need enough healthy bone to hold the post securely. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area can slowly shrink. If you’ve been missing a tooth for a while, don’t rule yourself out. Many patients can still get implants with the help of a bone graft that rebuilds the area first.
Healthy Gums and Good Oral Health
Your gums support your implant much like soil supports a plant. Active gum disease can weaken the tissue and bone around an implant and raise the risk of failure. The good news is that gum disease and tooth decay can often be treated before implant placement. Starting with a healthy foundation gives your new tooth the best chance to last for decades.
Not Smoking or Willing to Quit
Smoking slows healing and reduces blood flow to your gums. Both make it harder for an implant to fuse with the bone. Nonsmokers tend to see better results. If you smoke, quitting before and after treatment can greatly improve your outcome.
Good Overall Health
Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can affect how well your body heals. That doesn’t mean you can’t get implants. It simply means your health should be well managed first. Be sure to share your full medical history and medications during your consultation so your treatment plan can be tailored to you.
A Commitment to Aftercare
Implants can’t get cavities, but the gums around them still need care. Strong candidates are ready to brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular checkups. That consistency protects your investment and keeps your smile healthy for years to come.
Why Patients Choose McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry
Dr. Brittany McKinley-Holloway is the third generation of the McKinley family to care for smiles in our community. She provides complete family and cosmetic dentistry for Shelby Township and the surrounding Macomb County area, carrying forward a legacy built on trust and quality care.
What truly sets our practice apart is simple. Dr. McKinley-Holloway is the only dentist here. The person who plans your implant is the same person who places it and the same person who seats your final crown. There are no handoffs between offices and no waiting on a specialist’s schedule. You get one trusted doctor who knows your history, your goals, and your smile from start to finish.
That continuity means clearer communication, a more personal experience, and a treatment plan designed around you, not around multiple offices.
Find Out If Dental Implants Are Right for You
The best way to know if you’re a good candidate is a personal evaluation. Dr. McKinley-Holloway will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone, answer your questions, and walk you through every option.
Call McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry today to schedule your dental implant consultation in Shelby Township. Your complete, confident smile could be closer than you think.
CONTACT MCKINLEY-HOLLOWAY LEGACY DENTISTRY:
586-685-0880
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
45665 VILLAGE BLVD
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
48315
