Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Almost any patient of any age has the potential to benefit from dental implants
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be interested in the possibility of getting dental implants. Unlike other solutions to missing teeth, dental implants look, feel, and function almost exactly like real teeth, and won’t cause issues with speech, chewing, self-consciousness, or bone health the way dentures and bridges can. Almost anyone can be a good candidate for dental implants, provided they have a certain baseline standard of oral health and are strong enough for surgery. Here are some important factors that can influence your ability to receive dental implants.
Age
Some people feel that dental implants are not worth getting because of their already advanced age. However, dental implants can provide such improvement in quality of life that it is well worth the expense of getting them even if you are older. While old age is not really a concern, young children generally cannot get dental implants until their jaws have finished growing.
Gum Disease
Most patients who end up getting dental implants have lost their teeth due to gum disease. The procedure has an excellent track record of success in patients who have a history of advanced periodontal disease, provided the disease has been controlled and reasonably healthy gums developed prior to surgery.
Bone Loss
Bone loss and tooth loss often go hand in hand. It’s part of the reason why people with missing teeth often end up with a “sunken” look. Fortunately, dental implants can actually arrest and even correct bone loss in the jaw because the jawbone will actually bond with the titanium implant over time. However, if bone loss is extensive, a bone graft may need to be performed prior to the implant surgery.
Smoking
Smoking can interfere with the normal function and development of gum tissue cells, making smokers more susceptible to infections such as gum disease. Additionally, smoking seems to affect blood flow to the gums which can affect healing. For these reasons, smokers face additional risks when getting dental implants and may face a lower success rate. However, just because you smoke doesn’t automatically exclude the possibility of getting dental implants.
Existing Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes may make getting dental implants slightly more of a risk. However, there have been many documented cases of successful implants in patients with these conditions. Your dentist and oral surgeon will go over your medical history with you carefully to make sure it is safe for you to have dental implant surgery, and you will be able to voice any concerns you may have about your health at that time.
