Who’s the Best Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you are missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. These titanium posts replace the roots of missing teeth, and can be restored with crowns, bridges, and dentures for a typically long-lasting, functional solution. It’s believed that dental implants have the highest success rate of any teeth replacement option on the market. At Glenora Family Dental clinic in Edmonton, Dr. John VandenBrink places and restores implants for patients who are missing teeth. Today, we will explore characteristics of the best candidates for dental implants.
Healthy teeth and gums when considering a dental implant
Oral bacteria can compromise the health of a dental implant. Therefore, patients considering this type of treatment should have healthy teeth and gums, and should be free of any serious health concerns. If you have extensive tooth decay, gum disease, or other significant oral health issues, you will need to address those first. Once any necessary restorative treatments or periodontal therapies have been completed, we can move forward with dental implant treatment.
Dental implants and jawbone mass
Long-lasting, predictable implant treatment is dependent on jawbone mass and density. In order for a dental implant to be stable, it must go through a process called osseointegration, in which the jawbone fuses to the titanium post. Therefore, a dental implant must be completely surrounded by bone.
Dr. VandenBrink will take digital x-rays and scans to assess the density, height, and width of your jawbone, and determine the most ideal location for your implant. If you are deficient in bone, it does not necessarily disqualify you for a dental implant; however, you may need to undergo a preparatory procedure, such as a bone graft or sinus lift before having your implant placed.
Smoking and dental implants
Smoking or tobacco use can sometimes hinder the healing process. Therefore, we strongly recommend quitting smoking if you are considering dental implant treatment. Implants have an incredibly impressive success rate, however, if you smoke, the risk of implant failure increases significantly.
Healing after dental implant surgery
Many dental clinics advertise that they can place and restore an implant in a single visit. While this is certainly possible for some patients, it is not always the case. The healing process after implant placement can take up to four months on average. Healing times may be longer for those who require preliminary treatments such as bone grafting. Therefore, it’s important to have reasonable expectations of your treatment timeline.
Who is not a good candidate for dental implants?
Unfortunately, there are instances when a dental implant is not recommended. For example, some patients have lost too much bone density to be considered for predictable treatment. When implants are placed into the jaw, they must not interfere with the mandibular nerves or the maxillary sinuses. In extreme cases, even bone grafting and sinus lifts cannot repair the jawbone.
However, even if you have been told before that implants are not an option for you, it is worth having a second opinion. Recent advances in dentistry now make it possible for many patients with bone loss to enjoy the benefits of dental implants. A consultation with Dr. VandenBrink can help you determine if these new, revolutionary options could be a solution for you.
Learn more about dental implants at Glenora Dental
If you are missing teeth and would like to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implant treatment, schedule a visit at our Edmonton, AB practice. You can contact us online anytime or call our dental office at (780) 452-5700.