Dental Implants are a popular tooth replacement option for many patients in today’s dental world. If you believe that having one or more dental implants inserted might improve the health of your mouth, learning more about dental implants and who is the right candidate for this type of procedure can help you make the right decision.
In this blog post, we will discuss who is the right candidate for a dental implant procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the more widely chosen replacement alternatives for resolving the concerns associated with missing one or more teeth, which can quickly lead to the development of further mouth problems.
While many individuals assume that losing one of their teeth isn’t a huge problem, the truth is that it actually is. It may take a few months or longer, but the teeth close to the vacant space will begin to shift over time, which will cause a problem in the future.
During a dental implant procedure, the roots of real teeth are replaced with metal posts or titanium screws. Then the natural tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth that resembles the structure and function of natural teeth. Dental implants are a type of oral surgery used to replace missing teeth. In addition to offering a permanent solution, dental implants are an ideal alternative to dentures and dental bridges that do not fit correctly or when the number of natural teeth present is insufficient to support dentures or dental bridges.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Dental Implants
- You Could Be a Candidate if You Have One or More Missing Teeth.
In addition to difficulty eating, losing teeth can embarrass you in public. Dental implants are fully functional prosthetic teeth designed to look and feel just like your own natural teeth. - If a Tooth Is Badly Damaged or Cracked and Cannot Be Saved.
A dental crown can be used to repair a cracked or fractured tooth. However, if the tooth is too damaged to repair, it may need to be removed. When this occurs, a natural-looking implant can be used to restore your smile. - If Your Dentures or Partials Are Loose.
The maintenance of partials and loose-fitting dentures requires daily cleaning and adhesive. Implants ensure that your dentures will not come loose when you speak or eat. - If You Suffer from Abnormal Bone Loss Around the Jaw.
The jaw bone structure can deteriorate when teeth are missing without roots to stimulate growth. Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth. Through osseointegration, titanium and zirconium bond the metal to the bone, preventing bone loss in the jaw and reducing mouth recession. - If you fit these criteria, you may be a good candidate for dental implants.
- Both your oral and general health are good.
- Your jaw bone mass is sufficient to support an implant.
- You have healthy gum tissue and no periodontal disease.
Who Can Not Have Dental Implants?
After the implant is placed in your jawbone, the body grows above the top of the implant and eventually merges with it. Additionally, the gum tissue around the implants will need to repair itself, but this is a normal part of the healing process. Anyone who does not go through the usual healing process or proper osseointegration will be unable to receive implants.
Patients who use bisphosphonates, such as alendronic acid, are at the highest risk of developing this condition.
The high amounts of medicine in the bloodstream interfere with bone quality, normal bone repair, and healing. Those who take bisphosphonates intravenously should avoid getting dental implants.
Prior radiotherapy to the head, neck, or throat of a patient may interfere with repairing the patient’s bone cells. The x-rays employed in previous tumours’ radiation treatment have been shown to reduce the bone’s ability to heal. In this particular instance, dental implants would be contraindicated.
Implants may not be advisable in some cases due to difficulties in accessing problematic areas of the mouth, particularly those located towards the back of the mouth.
Some people cannot expand their lips wide enough to allow the implant to be safely inserted.
Are Dental Implants Safe
Dental implants are a very safe technique that has been performed by dental specialists for more than 30 years now with excellent clinical outcomes. Furthermore, as a result of recent technological advancements in modern dentistry, implant placement has been steadily improving over time. The implant process is considered safe, although implant placement requires the use of a surgical procedure to be completed. There are hazards associated with every surgery, as with any clinical practice. Although the danger of infection or rejection exists, the proportion of patients who experience issues resulting from implant surgery is relatively small.
They are also suitable for people over the age of sixty. There is no upper age limit to be considered as eligible patients when it comes to implant placement. Anyone in need of tooth replacement, regardless of their age, may be eligible for dental implants as long as they are in good health conditions and a dental professional approves the operation.
How Long Do Dental Implant Procedures Take?
Following the initial consultation appointment, a treatment plan for dental implants is developed by a team of oral surgery and restorative dentistry specialists working together. In accordance with eligible patients’ implant selection, this team delivers coordinated treatment.
Using a surgical procedure, your dentist will insert the titanium implant in your jaw bone just below the gum line. This procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours for every implant that is being installed. The recovery period ranges from six weeks to a four-month period.
Once the implant has been successfully connected to the jawbone, an abutment is attached to it to provide a solid support for the new tooth. The dentist will take imprints of your teeth and use them to create a bite model for the replacement tooth. After that, the abutment is crowned with a dental prosthesis. It is possible to attach an implant-supported denture to an implant instead of using one or more separate dental crowns.
How to Minimize Implant Failure
You Must Be a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
Not everyone who desires a dental implant should have one. On the other hand, dental implants necessitate that you be an ideal candidate. An ideal candidate should be in generally good condition, with healthy gums and appropriate bone structure. Good gum and bone tissue are required to support the implant post.
Furthermore, being too young may preclude someone from obtaining a dental implant. This is due to the fact that people who are still actively growing their jaw and facial bones will most likely not be completed maturing until they are in their twenties.
Quit Smoking
Heavy smokers should consider quitting smoking both before and after the treatment, as smoking is strongly associated with a higher rate of dental implant failure than those who do not. Furthermore, any level of gum disease caused by smoking might be a risk factor for dental implant failure, so make sure you and your dentist address this issue before considering a dental implant.
Peri-implantitis Prevention
Peri-implantitis, one of the common causes of implant failure, occurs when the gum and bone tissue surrounding your implant becomes inflamed, which can lead to severe complications such as bone loss and dental implant failure. Many studies have linked peri-implantitis to dentist errors such as gum tissue malformations, using too much cement during implant placement, and failing to remove all traces of bacteria and plaque from the implant site.
As a patient, it is your responsibility to conduct preliminary research about your dentist. Consult a variety of sources and simply ask patients about any problems they’ve had with their dental implants. If you hear too many stories regarding dental implant failures, you should seek another dentist/oral surgeon with a high success rate.
Maintain Good Hygiene
It may seem obvious, but practising proper oral hygiene is the greatest method to keep your dental implants healthy and increase overall success. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, as well as using an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash, should be part of your routine.
Eat Nutritiously.
Your diet has a direct impact on whether or not your dental implant will stay in place. While dental implants should be used in the same way as natural teeth, try to avoid eating items that can put the implant under stress, especially during the osseointegration phase. You should avoid hard sweets and hard-baked products, such as pretzels, but you should also avoid overly-sugary foods, which can promote the growth of bacteria and aggravate your dental implant.
Alternatives to Dental ImplantsDental
implants are widely regarded as the best option for tooth replacement by the majority of people. Dental implants that look like teeth help to prevent jaw bone degeneration. Every individual, however, is unique, and dental implants are not appropriate for everyone. They may be contraindicated by medical professionals or simply hated by the patient. If you want a tooth replacement, you should be aware of the various options available. Consider some of the alternatives to dental implants.
Dentures are a common dental implant alternative that many people are familiar with. Complete dentures, which replace both the upper and bottom arches of teeth, are what most people think of when they think of dentures.
With dentures, you can create the appearance of having a complete set of straight teeth. However, some food limitations may be necessary because dentures may not allow you to chew as deeply as dental implants or natural teeth.
Partial Dentures
Dentures are used when you have some healthy teeth but need to replace a few of them with dentures. The artificial tooth is glued to a plastic base that is colour-matched to your gums to create a natural-looking smile. Metal clasps can be used to attach this plastic to neighbouring teeth if they are close enough. Partial dentures are simple to care for and repair, and they make speaking and eating more comfortable. Partial dentures are less stable than other tooth replacement options and require more frequent maintenance and repair than other options.
Fixed Dental Bridges
Because bridges are bonded in place, they feel and act just like natural teeth, and you won’t have to worry about them coming loose in the future. Dentures are less comfortable than dental bridges, which may be more comfortable than dentures.
Final Thoughts
Dental Implants are a terrific technique to replace missing teeth without sacrificing the quality or functionality of the replacement teeth.
Dental implants are available at Ashburton Dental Centre for patients who have lost several teeth as a result of decay, accident, disease, trauma, or infection, among other reasons. Our highly trained team of professionals will assess your case and determine whether this implant treatment option is appropriate for you based on a variety of variables, including your health status and oral health goals, among other things.
We will guide you through every stage of the procedure, from deciding whether or not an implant is appropriate for your situation to subsequent aftercare dental appointments when implants require maintenance work to be done over time. Never hesitate to contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Ashburton Dental Centre.
