Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a common restorative dental treatment that provides patients with a permanent solution to missing teeth. A dental implant has three parts: a titanium post that goes into the jawbone, a small connector piece called an abutment, and a custom-made crown that looks just like a real tooth. Together, they replace a missing tooth — permanently.
Although dental implants are a common procedure, there are some patients who may not be eligible for this treatment option. At Atria Dental Gordon, we will thoroughly assess you before we begin any treatment, to ensure that dental implants are the best option for your oral health and for the highest chance of success.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular and effective dental treatment that replaces missing teeth. It restores not only the functionality of your teeth but also improves their appearance. There are three parts to any dental implant:
- A screw-like post made from titanium, which is surgically inserted into the jawbone.
- A connector piece, known as the abutment, which is attached to the implant posts and supports the dental crown.
- The prosthetic dental crown which is custom-made. It is usually made of porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain fused to a material. It is attached to the abutment to create a real-looking replacement tooth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The benefits of dental implants include:
- Aesthetic appeal: Dental implants are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Say goodbye to gaps in your teeth, and embrace your new full smile.
- A permanent solution: Dental implants fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, making them a permanent option for missing teeth.
- Restoring tooth function: Having missing teeth can limit the types of food you can eat. Getting dental implants makes it possible for you to eat all your favourite foods again (within reason).
- Easy to look after: Dental implants are easy to look after. In fact, they don’t require any extra care outside of your usual oral hygiene routine. As long as you keep up your brushing, flossing, drinking lots of water, and watching what you eat, your dental implants will stay in excellent shape.
- Convenience: Dental implants are permanently fused to your jawbone, unlike dentures, which must be removed at least once a day for cleaning.
- Improved oral health: Dental implants preserve surrounding teeth rather than shifting them and help maintain jawbone density.
- Increased confidence: Having missing teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile, especially in social situations. Getting missing teeth replaced with dental implants makes you smile with confidence once again!
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The following patients make great candidates for dental implants:
People with Healthy Gums
Healthy gums help the implant heal faster and hold it securely in place. Think of your gums as the foundation — if they’re in good shape, the implant has the best chance of success.
Good Bone Density
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone and need to bond with your jawbone (in a process called osseointegration) to be successful, meaning that you need to have enough bone in your jawbone to hold the implants in place and support them.
Good Oral Health
Your overall oral health matters. If you have no tooth decay or gum (periodontal) disease, your dentist will give the go-ahead for dental implants.
No smoking
Being a smoker can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of the dental implant failing.
If you are not a smoker, you have a much higher chance of the dental implant being a success.
Over 18 Years Old
People over the age of 18 make the best candidates for dental implants, as their jaws are already fully developed.
People with Missing Teeth
If you are missing a tooth or teeth due to tooth decay or an injury caused by an accident, a dental implant procedure is the best dental treatment option that restores both functionality and appearance of your teeth.
Excellent Oral Hygiene Routine
People who have a thorough and regular oral hygiene routine (brushing their teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, using mouthwash a few times a week, drinking lots of water, and having a low sugar diet) have a much higher chance of the dental implant procedure being a success.
People Who Aren’t Fans of Dentures
Some people may feel uncomfortable having dentures. Dental implants are a more durable and effective solution to missing teeth than dentures.
Who ISN’T a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Some patients aren’t eligible for dental implants for various reasons. These include:
Low Bone Density
People with low jawbone density are unlikely to be eligible for a dental implant, as a healthy jawbone is needed to support and hold the implant in place.
Some patients with low jawbone density may be suitable candidates for subperiosteal dental implants, in which the implant is placed onto the jawbone and below the gum line.
Some patients may also be eligible for a bone graft, in which bone is taken from another part of the body and placed in the jaw to add extra bone.
Gum Disease
Patients with gum disease (periodontal disease) won’t have strong or healthy enough gums to support dental implants. Patients suffering from gum disease will need to undergo treatment before they can be eligible for dental implants.
Overall Oral Health
If you have decaying teeth or oral health issues such as misaligned teeth, gum disease, or chipped teeth, these issues must be addressed before you can get dental implants.
Other Health Issues
Conditions like diabetes, cancer or autoimmune disorders can slow down healing after surgery. This doesn’t always rule out dental implants, but your dentist will need to assess your overall health carefully before going ahead.
Allergies
Most dental implants are made from titanium or zirconia. If you have a known allergy to either material, let your dentist know. There may still be options available depending on the severity of your allergy.
Medications
If you are taking certain medications, such as blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), dental implants, and other surgical procedures may not be the best option for you, as you have a higher risk of uncontrolled or excessive bleeding.
Medications used to treat osteoporosis (bisphosphonates) may affect how the jawbone heals.
Age
People under 18 are not eligible for dental implants because their jawbones are still growing and developing.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women will not be eligible for the dental implant procedure, as hormonal changes can cause a higher risk of the implant failing or developing gum disease.
Why Should You Get a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are an effective treatment option to resolve the issue of missing teeth. They restore the functionality of your teeth and also improve the appearance of your teeth and your overall oral health.
Here are some reasons why dental implants are the ideal treatment for you if you have missing teeth:
Jawbone Loss
When you have a missing tooth, the surrounding jawbone doesn’t receive the same stimulation as it once did. This can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time and cause a loss in bone density.
Change in Facial Appearance
Having missing teeth can cause changes in your facial structure as the surrounding teeth shift into the empty space, altering your appearance and leading to a sunken look and increased fine lines and wrinkles.
Limited Diet
Missing teeth can impact or limit the type of diet you have due to difficulty chewing certain foods. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Impact on Oral Health
Having gaps in your teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift towards the empty space, which can affect your bite and create more places where plaque and bacteria can build up, leading to tooth decay.
Speech and Pronunciation Issues
If you have missing teeth in the front of your mouth, it can affect the pronunciation of specific words, which can lead to self-esteem issues.
Self-Confidence Issues
Having spaces between your teeth can make you feel self-conscious, especially in social situations.
At Atria Dental Gordon, we are aware of how oral health can impact your overall physical health, which is why it’s so important to stay on top of your dentist appointments and any dental treatments you may need. We also understand the importance of a confident, healthy smile to a person’s self-esteem.
If you have any questions about Dental Implants or any of our other dental services, please contact us at (02) 4006 8310.
