For a long time, the go-to solution to missing teeth was dentures, but implant dentistry has changed the way in which we restore natural teeth. By inserting a titanium screw into your jawbone, dental implants near me can provide a long-lasting and strong foundation for your new replacement teeth.
This surgical intervention is the secret to implant dentistry effectiveness—but it’s also the reason why not everyone may be eligible for this treatment. To help you figure out whether or not you’re inside this bracket, we came up with this article.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are posts made of titanium or ceramic that are placed into your jawbone to support crowns, which are prosthetic teeth. They provide a solid basis and allow patients to get replacement teeth that function and resemble their original teeth.
This type of restoration offers unique benefits, such as:
- Protection against the loss of bone. Implants help maintain your jawbone and stop bone loss since they are fastened in your jaw like your natural teeth.
- Improved chewing abilities, as implants are secured in your jaw like your natural teeth.
- Improved communication skills by restoring missing teeth, which play a big role in pronunciation.
- Improved oral health. Unlike dentures or bridges that can accumulate bacteria and fungi in any cracks and crevices, implants allow easier access between your teeth, so you can continue to floss for good gum health.
Bad Candidates for Implants
Several factors affect your eligibility for dental implants. For example, patients under the age of 18 are generally not advised to undergo dental implant procedures as their bones are still developing. Additionally, pregnant individuals should also defer dental implant procedures until they have given birth, as hormonal changes can impact the healing process.
Still, the main conditions, oral health issues, and medications that may make dental implants unsuitable for you are:
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that damages the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place.
Periodontal disease may impact the implant's success, as it causes gum recession and bone loss. This makes it harder for the implant to bond with the bone and increases the chances of implant failure due to an infection.
Before getting an implant, you should treat any periodontal disease you may have.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can impact the success of your dental implants by raising the risk of infection, much like gum disease does. After all, bacteria are the source of cavities, and they can readily penetrate nearby teeth and gums.
Additionally, this may weaken your supporting bone, which may make it more difficult for the implant to properly fuse with the bone.
Your dentist must treat any tooth decay before moving forward with an implant.
Gum Recession
Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue withdraws from the teeth, exposing tooth roots and weakening them. It can be caused by several issues, from gum disease to aggressive brushing and even certain medications.
Besides impacting your smile’s aesthetics, gum recession can impact the success of dental implants. Healthy gum tissue provides a much more stable foundation for your implants and reduces the risk of infection.
Before placing an implant, we could suggest a gum graft operation if you have gum recession in order to restore a healthy gum line.
Heart Conditions
Before beginning the implant operation, your dentist must speak with your cardiologist if you have a heart issue. This is because the operation can put a burden on your heart due to the use of anesthesia and minor surgery.
Once we’ve received the okay from your cardiologist, we’ll proceed with the surgery using the necessary safety measures.
Diabetes
Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of implant surgery. After all, diabetes affects a person’s healing abilities, increasing the risk of dental implant failure. While this doesn’t mean you are immediately a bad candidate, it poses extra safety risks and monitoring steps before and after the procedure.
For example, we may recommend improving your blood sugar control before the procedure.
Osteoporosis
Patients with osteoporosis have a tougher time supporting a dental implant because their bones grow thin and fragile. Before starting the implant treatment, your dentist may assess your bone density if you have osteoporosis.
A bone grafting can be required if your bone density is too low.
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Leukemia or HIV/AIDS are two examples of immunodeficiency disorders that may prevent you from receiving dental implants. These ailments raise the risk of infection and can interfere with the healing process.
Bisphosphonate Therapy
Bisphosphonates are a type of medication used to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, but they can affect the healing process needed after an implant placement. If you use bisphosphonates, implant failure risk can be raised.
Smoking
Certain lifestyle habits can also impact the success of your implant treatment, and a well-known one is smoking. Nicotine reduces blood flow to tissues, which causes poor healing. Additionally, tobacco increases the chances of gum disease and bone loss, making patients more prone to implant surgery.
Before receiving dental implants, you should quit smoking.
Good Candidates for Implants
People with one or several missing teeth but with otherwise good oral health make excellent candidates for dental implants. Additionally, for the implants to be properly anchored, these candidates must have the right amount and quality of bone.
Even older individuals can get dental implants. However, because chronic illnesses are more common in this age range and may impede the healing process, those 85 years of age and older might not be good candidates.
Find Out if You’re a Good Candidate for Dental Implants Near Me
Dental implants are an innovative treatment that can improve a patient's lifestyle for years to come, but sadly, they’re not for everyone. Illnesses like diabetes or gum disease and even medications can impact your body’s natural healing process, making it harder for the titanium screw to integrate with the jawbone.
However, besides these factors, a dentist's comfort level and ability can impact your eligibility for dental implants. If you want to find out whether you’re up for this treatment, reach out to 3020 Dental Implants!
