By Dr. Jon ( Junyi ) Ho Dental implants have become a popular option for tooth replacement, but not everyone is a candidate for surgery.
In this blog post, we’ll look at who can get dental implants and what factors might disqualify someone from the procedure. We’ll also explore some of the benefits of getting dental implants.
If you’re considering this type of tooth replacement, be sure to read our post!
Contents Navigation
- 0.1 What Are Dental Implants?
- 0.2 What Benefits Can Dental Implant Procedures Offer?
- 0.3 Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants?
- 0.4 Can Anyone Get Tooth Implants?
- 0.5 Are There Contraindications for Dental Implant Procedures?
- 0.6 Do All Patients Need to Undergo Bone Grafting Before Dental Implants?
- 0.7 Can I Get Dental Implants Despite Having a History of Periodontal Disease?
- 0.8 Can Dental Implants Fail?
- 0.9 Final Thoughts
- 1 Frequently Asked questions
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed into your jaw bone to hold replacement teeth in place. Implants are an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or other reasons.
Tooth implants are typically made of titanium, a durable metal compatible with the human body. The titanium posts are surgically inserted into the jaw bone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the course of several months. This process is called osseointegration.
Once the implant has successfully fused with the bone, a connector post, called an abutment, is placed on top of the dental implant. This abutment protrudes through the gum tissue and serves as a support for the replacement tooth.
Dental implants can be used to support one or more artificial teeth. The false teeth could either be a dental crown, dentures, or dental bridges.
The entire dental implant treatment, from the initial consultation to recovery, usually takes up to 6-9 months, depending on how soon the implant fully integrates with the bone. After this, the patient can enjoy the benefits of having dental implants.
What Benefits Can Dental Implant Procedures Offer?
Tooth implants are designed to provide a long-lasting, durable solution, and they can offer many benefits without cutting down adjacent teeth. Here are eight benefits dental implant procedures can offer:
- Dental implants can help prevent bone loss. When a tooth is lost, there is a risk of bone loss because the bone around the tooth begins to deteriorate. Dental implants can help prevent this by stimulating bone growth and preserving its mass.
- Dental implants can improve your chewing function. Chewing is an important part of digesting food, and dental implants can help you to chew more effectively.
- Dental implants can improve your speaking ability. Missing teeth can make speaking difficult, but dental implants can restore your speech.
- Dental implants look and feel natural. Dental implants are designed to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth for a seamless look. They are also integrated into the bone, providing a solid foundation for your new teeth that feels like your real teeth.
- Dental implants are low maintenance. There’s no need to remove dental implants for cleaning like you would with dentures. Brush and floss them like your natural teeth, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
- Dental implants can give you back your confidence. Being embarrassed about your smile can take a serious toll on your self-esteem. With dental implants, you can flash your pearly whites confidently, knowing that your smile looks natural and attractive.
Dental implant procedures offer many benefits, making them a popular treatment choice for missing teeth. If you’re considering dental implants, discuss the potential benefits with your dentist to see if they’re the right choice for you!
Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular treatment for missing teeth, but who can benefit from them the most? In general, dental implants are a viable treatment option for:
- Adults with tooth loss due to injury, disease, or decay.
- Those with broken, decayed, or damaged teeth that are beyond repair.
- People who want to improve the appearance of their smile in the most natural way.
- Patients who are uncomfortable using partial dentures, removable dentures, or bridges.
If you’re considering getting dental implants, the first step is scheduling a consultation with an implant dentist. During your consultation, the dentist will evaluate your mouth to ensure dental implants are the right treatment for you.
Can Anyone Get Tooth Implants?
Dental implants are a great tooth replacement option for many people. However, not everyone is a good candidate for the dental procedure. Certain criteria must be met for the treatment to be successful.
The criteria for dental implants vary from patient to patient, but there are certain factors that dentists take into account when considering dental implant treatment.
- The health of the patient’s gums: Good candidates for dental implants have healthy gums that can support the implant.
- The patient’s bone density: Dental implants require sufficient bone density to be successful. If you don’t have enough bone, you may be able to have a bone graft to compensate for the lost bone mass.
- The patient’s overall health: Candidates for dental implants should be in good general health and have no medical conditions that would contraindicate dental implant surgery.
- The patient’s lifestyle and habits: Dental implants are not recommended for patients who smoke or have habits that put them at risk for dental trauma (such as contact sports) or heavy drinkers.
- The patient’s commitment: A patient must be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, following the dentist’s aftercare instructions, and taking good care of the dental implants.
If you meet all of these criteria, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Talk to your dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.
Are There Contraindications for Dental Implant Procedures?
There are several contraindications to dental implant procedures, including:
- Active dental infections: People with active gum disease or periodontal disease should not have dental implants placed until the infection is resolved.
- Certain medical conditions: Patients diagnosed with uncontrolled diabetes and autoimmune diseases may not be good candidates for dental implants because they can interfere with the healing process.
- Smokers: Heavy smokers are at a higher risk for implant failure and should quit smoking before and after dental implant surgery. This is because smoking also interferes with the body’s ability to heal.
- Radiation therapy: Patients who have undergone radiotherapy to the head and neck area may also be at a higher risk for implant failure. They should talk to their doctor about whether dental implants are right for them.
During the initial consultation, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about whether you have any contraindications that could make dental implants a risky procedure for you.
Do All Patients Need to Undergo Bone Grafting Before Dental Implants?
Dental implants require a certain amount of healthy bone to be successful. For patients who do not have adequate bone mass, a bone graft may be necessary before dental implants can be placed.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking bone from another area of the body and transplanting it to the jawbone. This helps create a strong foundation for dental implants. In some cases, the bone graft may be done simultaneously with dental implant surgery. However, in other cases, the bone graft may need to be placed first to allow the jawbone to heal properly, and then the dental implants can be placed months after.
Whether you need to have a bone graft before dental implant surgery depends on several factors, including the health of your jawbone and how much bone has been lost. Your dentist will be able to assess your situation and let you know if a bone graft is necessary. Dental implants are possible, even if a bone graft is required. So don’t let the idea of a bone graft stop you from getting the dental implants you want.
Can I Get Dental Implants Despite Having a History of Periodontal Disease?
If you’re considering getting dental implants, you may be wondering if your history of periodontal disease will affect your ability to get the treatment. The good news is that you can still get dental implants even if you have a history of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis patients actually need dental implants more since they need replacement teeth that will still be stable despite losing bone from their disease. While periodontal or gum disease may make it more difficult to get dental implants, it doesn’t mean the treatment is impossible. People who had periodontal disease can still be good candidates for dental implants as long as their condition has been managed and controlled prior to implant placement and they’re willing to have more frequent visits to the dentist for close monitoring of the implant and their bone. In most cases, they may also need bone grafting to compensate for their insufficient bone density.
There are various factors that the dentist will take into account when determining if implant treatment is right for you. They will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Can Dental Implants Fail?
Dental implants are not without their risks. One of the most common complications is implant failure.
Implant failure can occur for different reasons, such as:
- Infection
- Poor oral and dental hygiene
- Trauma to the mouth
- Stress on the implant
- Gum disease
If tooth implants fail, they may lead to severe pain. They will need to be removed and the area allowed to heal.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are a long-term solution to tooth loss that provides numerous benefits. However, some criteria must be met to be a good candidate for this treatment. Your dentist can help determine if this treatment is good for you.
At Darch Dental Centre, we want our patients to make informed decisions about their oral health. We provide comprehensive consultations to help people determine if dental implants are the right choice for them. Visit our website or call us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked questions
The average cost of a tooth implant in Australia can range from around $5,000-$7,000, depending on several factors such as:
- The complexity of treatment,
- The number of implants needed
- The type of implant used
- Additional procedures needed, such as bone grafts, sinus lifts, gum grafts, and tooth extraction
- Geographical location
- Dental surgeon’s experience
Dental implants have a higher upfront cost than other alternative tooth replacement options. However, they are considered good investments because they have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Yes, in some cases, implants can replace a full arch of upper or lower teeth. An example is All-on-4 dental implants, which involve placing four implants into the jawbone to support a full denture. Other types include implant-supported dentures and implant-retained dentures.
Same-day dental implants are just as effective, but the outcome may vary depending on your case. Some people may require more complex treatments that need to be done over several visits, which can span weeks or even months. Your dentist will advise you on the ideal treatment plan for your needs.
Generally, you will be able to clean dental implants the same way you would clean regular teeth. You should brush them twice a day and floss them once a day. You should also visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and checkups so the implants stay in good condition. In some cases, special cleaning tools may need to be used to ensure the implants are properly taken care of.
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