If you are considering undergoing a dental implant procedure, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions to determine if they are the right choice for you. Dental implants offer many benefits over other forms of tooth replacement, such as dentures or bridges. They look and feel natural, and they last a long time. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. South Perth Dental Surgery shares four important questions that you should ask yourself before getting tooth implants:
There are several different reasons why someone might need dental implants. Such as:
- Replacement for missing teeth:
Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth. These are typically used to replace one or more missing teeth since they provide a solid foundation for artificial teeth, which look and function just like natural teeth. - Improving oral health:
Dental implants can improve your oral health by preventing jawbone deterioration that often occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants also make it easier to brush and floss teeth, which helps keep your mouth healthy. - Supporting dental prosthetics:
Dental implants are also used to support dental prosthetics, such as dentures. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. Once in place, they fuse with the bone and act as anchors for artificial teeth. Dentures are artificial teeth that are worn when natural teeth are missing. They can be unstable and uncomfortable, but implants can help keep them in place and make them more comfortable to wear. - Enhancing aesthetics.
In addition to improving the function of your teeth, the dental implant procedure can also enhance the appearance of your smile. Dental implants are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth so that they can restore your beautiful smile. - Preventing further damage.
Dental implants can also prevent further damage to your teeth by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place, leading to a host of other dental problems, including bone loss. Dental implants can help keep your teeth in their proper place and prevent further damage. - Improve chewing and speaking:
Implants can also help people who have difficulty chewing or speaking properly. In these cases, implants can provide much-needed support for the teeth and jaw, allowing people to eat and speak more easily.
If you are considering dental implants, consult a qualified dental professional to discuss your options and determine if they are right for you.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
If you’re considering implants, it’s important to know that not everyone is a good candidate. Here are some qualities of the ideal candidate for implants:
- Have enough jawbone density:
One of the top factors determining whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants is the density and quality of their jawbone. The implant needs to be anchored into the jawbone to be successful, so if the jawbone is too soft or too thin, or if the patient does not have enough bone density, it may not be able to provide enough support. While you can undergo bone grafting to qualify for implants, it’s best to consult your dentist before doing so. - Be in good health:
Another important factor is the patient’s overall health. Implants require a surgical procedure, and like any surgery, certain risks are involved. For this reason, patients in good health and with no major medical conditions are generally better candidates for implants than those who do not. - Have a healthy lifestyle and oral hygiene routine:
Finally, it is important to consider the lifestyle of the patient. Implants are a long-term investment, requiring a certain level of commitment from the patient in terms of oral care. Patients willing to take care of their implants and keep up with regular dental appointments are more likely to be successful with implants than those who are not.
Dental implants can offer many incredible benefits but are not right for everyone. A professional dentist can help you determine if dental implants are right for you and help you through the process of getting them.
What Are the Contraindications for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for missing teeth. However, there are some situations in which dental implants are not recommended.
- Weak jawbone.
Dental implants require a strong and healthy jawbone to support them. If the jawbone is weakened or too thin, the implant may not have enough support and could fail. - Smoking.
Smoking is also a contraindication for dental implants. It can decrease blood flow to the gums and jawbone, which can impede the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. - Radiation therapy.
Patients who have had radiation therapy are also generally not candidates for dental implants. This is because radiation can cause changes to the jawbone, making it too weak to support an implant. - Jawbone surgery.
Additionally, people who have had previous surgery in the jawbone area may not be good candidates for a dental implant procedure. This is because the bone may not have healed properly, which can lead to implant failure. - Medical conditions.
Finally, people with certain medical conditions may not qualify for dental implants. These conditions include uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. This is because these conditions can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to heal from surgery.
If you have any of these risk factors, implants may not be right for you. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your oral surgeon before having implant surgery.
What Are the Dental Implant Alternatives?
If you are not a candidate for dental implants, other restorative options are available to replace missing teeth. These include:
- Dental bridges:
Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by your natural teeth on either side. - Partial dentures:
Partial dentures are recommended when some of your natural teeth remain. They usually attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps. - Complete or full dentures:
Traditional dentures are removable dental appliances that can replace all teeth in your upper or lower jaw. They are usually made of porcelain, acrylic or both. - Resin-bonded bridges:
Resin-bonded bridges are similar to dental bridges but are held in place with resin (plastic) rather than metal.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants have a high success rate and are a great way to replace missing teeth and give back your smile. However, they are not right for everyone. Schedule a consultation with the professional team at South Perth Dental Surgery to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for implants. Book an appointment online or contact our dental clinic today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implant costs can vary depending on the type of implants used, the number of implants needed, the experience of the implant surgeon, and the location of the implant surgery. Generally, a single-tooth implant can start at $4,000.
Do dental implants hurt?
One of the main concerns people have about dental implants is whether or not they will hurt. The good news is that dental implants are almost pain-free. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure.
After the dental procedure, you may have some soreness and swelling in the area, but this can usually be managed with pain medication. It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully, so your recovery goes smoothly.
If you experience pain, discomfort, or minor bleeding after your dental implant surgery, contact your dentist immediately. They can determine if anything needs to be done to alleviate your symptoms.
Who can perform dental implant surgery?
Dental implant surgery is a complex procedure that should only be performed by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon. Be sure to ask your dentist about their experience with dental implants before scheduling implant surgery.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants offer an array of benefits over other tooth replacement options. They are more natural looking and feeling than dentures or bridges, and they do not require adjacent teeth to be altered to support them. Dental implants can last a long time with proper care, while dentures and bridges typically need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. Overall, implants can greatly improve the quality of life of patients.
