Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. A known benefit of implants is that they provide a secure anchor for replacement teeth. Implant treatments can replace one or more missing teeth for a healthy smile. Implant surgery is often recommended for people who have lost one or more natural teeth due to trauma, periodontal disease, or decay.
If you’re considering getting dental implants, it’s important to understand the implant surgery eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify for the procedure. This blog post will help you determine if you are a good candidate for implant surgery.
Contents
- Summary of the Article
- What Are Dental Implants?
- What Are the Criteria for Determining Suitability for Dental Implants?
- Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?
- Under What Circumstances Are Dental Implants Not Recommended?
- Are There Individuals for Whom Dental Implants Are Not Suitable?
- What Is the Effect of Oral Health on A Person's Eligibility for Dental Implants?
- Does Smoking Affect the Possibility of Getting Dental Implants?
- Are There Potential Risks Associated with Dental Implants, and What Are the Possible Causes of Failure?
- What Other Options Are Available for Replacing Missing Teeth Besides Dental Implants?
- Final Thoughts
Summary of the Article
- Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that replace one or more missing teeth.
- Dental implant candidates must have enough bone and healthy gum tissue in the area where the implant is to be placed, good oral and overall health, and a strong jawbone or enough bone to support the implant.
- Commitment to hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing is also necessary.
- There is no specific age limit for dental implants, but candidates must have a fully developed jawbone, good overall and oral health, and be committed to good oral hygiene practices.
- Dental implant surgery may not be recommended for individuals with inadequate bone density, active gum disease, chronic medical conditions, certain medications, pregnancy, or uncontrolled teeth grinding.
- Alternative treatments for missing teeth may be recommended for individuals with these conditions.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Implant surgery is often recommended for people who have lost one or more natural teeth due to trauma, periodontal disease, or decay. The implant process involves several steps, including:
- Consultation:
During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a healthy candidate for dental implant surgery. - Implant Surgery:
Implant surgery involves placing a titanium screw into the jawbone to replace the tooth root. After the post is placed, it takes time for the jawbone to heal and fuse with the post, a process known as osseointegration. - Abutment Placement:
Once the jawbone has healed and fused with the post, a dental implant abutment is placed on top of the implant to connect the artificial tooth (crown) to the post. - Crown Implantation:
The final step in getting dental implants is to attach a custom-made crown, replacement tooth or bridge to the abutment. The crown will look, feel and function like your natural teeth – restoring your ability to chew and speak normally.
Missing teeth replacements can be a great way to improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. It’s important to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure for successful implants.
What Are the Criteria for Determining Suitability for Dental Implants?
Before you can receive dental implants, your dentist will need to assess the health of your mouth. Dental implant candidates should have the following prerequisites:
- Having enough bone and healthy gum tissues in the area where the implant is to be placed
- Good oral and overall health, including having no gum disease
- Commitment to daily hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing
- Being free of any medical conditions that could interfere with healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system
If you are missing teeth, dental implants can provide a natural-looking replacement that doesn’t compromise your facial structure or the integrity of your remaining teeth. Implant surgery is an effective way to replace one or more missing teeth, allowing you to regain function and improve your quality of life.
Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?
Dental implant surgery eligibility is not determined by age alone. While there is no specific age limit for dental implants, candidates must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the procedure.
Firstly, the individual must have a fully developed jawbone, typically occurring in adults around 18 years old. This is important because the implant post is inserted into the jawbone and needs a solid foundation to support the replacement tooth. Bone health needs to be considered.
Secondly, the individual must have good overall health and oral health. This means that they should not have any underlying medical conditions or take medications that could interfere with the healing process or the success of the implant. Additionally, the gums should be healthy and free of disease, and there should be enough bone density in the jaw to support the implant.
Thirdly, the individual must be committed to good oral hygiene practices and willing to follow post-surgical care instructions to ensure the longevity of the implant.
The decision to undergo dental implant surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional who can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you determine if dental implants suit you. Dental implants are a common and effective way to replace missing teeth, and many people of various ages can be good candidates for the procedure.
Under What Circumstances Are Dental Implants Not Recommended?
Knowing which circumstances make a person ineligible for dental implant surgery is just as important as knowing who can be considered a good candidate. Implant surgery may be contraindicated or become more complicated if the patient has:
- Inadequate bone density:
Dental implants require adequate jawbone density to be successful. If there is not enough bone density level to support the implant, a bone grafting procedure may be required before the implant can be placed. - Presence of gum disease:
If the individual has active gum disease, it must be addressed before implant surgery. Gum disease can cause jawbone loss and may interfere with implant success. - Chronic medical conditions:
Certain chronic medical conditions include diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Cancer patients may not be eligible for oral surgery as their condition, and the cancer treatment may affect the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of implant failure. - Medications:
Certain medications, such as steroids or bisphosphonates, may interfere with the success of dental implant surgery. - Pregnancy:
Implant surgery is not recommended for pregnant women as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus. - Uncontrolled teeth grinding:
Individuals who grind their teeth may put excessive pressure on the implant, which can cause it to fail.
If you have any of these conditions, your dentist can help you find other options for missing teeth replacement.
Are There Individuals for Whom Dental Implants Are Not Suitable?
Although dental implants are generally safe and successful for most patients, some individuals may not be suitable candidates. Some factors that may affect a person’s suitability for dental implants include:
- Poor oral health:
Individuals with significant oral health issues such as gum infections, tooth decay, or bone loss may not be good candidates for dental implants. Poor dental hygiene can cause complications. - Medical conditions:
Chronic diseases may affect the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications. - Smoking:
Smoking can interfere with the body’s ability to heal, increasing the risk of implant failure. Chain smokers may not be ideal candidates for the procedure. - Age:
Young individuals who have yet to develop their jawbones fully may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. - Financial considerations:
The cost of teeth implants can be expensive, and some individuals may be unable to afford the procedure.
The decision to undergo dental implant surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional who can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you determine if dental implants suit you.
Dental implant treatments require considerable time, money, and effort but offer long-term, highly functional and aesthetically pleasing options for tooth loss. Patients must research their options carefully before beginning treatment and ask questions about the risks and benefits of each type of procedure.
What Is the Effect of Oral Health on A Person's Eligibility for Dental Implants?
The state of a patient’s oral health is an important factor in eligibility for dental implants. During the initial consultation, the dentist will assess the gums and ensure enough healthy gum tissue is present to support implant posts. If the patient has excessive gum disease or bone loss in their jaw, additional treatments may be necessary before implants can be placed. It is also important that the patient maintains good oral hygiene habits to maintain successful outcomes long-term. Patients who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS may not be eligible for certain types of dental implants due to their weakened immune systems and increased risk of infection. Therefore, patients must inform their dentist about any medical conditions they may have before beginning treatment.
Does Smoking Affect the Possibility of Getting Dental Implants?
Smoking can have a negative effect on the success of dental implants. It reduces the amount of oxygen in the mouth, which can cause gum tissues to become inflamed and make them more prone to infection. This increases the risk of implant failure and slow healing times while also decreasing the patient’s chances of successful long-term outcomes. It is highly recommended that those considering dental implants must quit smoking or cut down significantly before undergoing any treatment. Doing so will help ensure that they gain maximum benefit from their procedure and can enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles for many years to come.
Are There Potential Risks Associated with Dental Implants, and What Are the Possible Causes of Failure?
Although dental implants are generally a safe and reliable form of tooth replacement, there is always the potential for complications. Some possible causes of dental implant failure include:
- Infection
- Insufficient jawbone density
- Improper placement or angulation of the implant posts
- Improperly fitting abutment components. I
- Nerve damage may also occur during the procedure.
Even with all the precautions taken to reduce risk factors and maximise chances of success, there is still a small chance that your dental implants may fail. If this happens, options are available to replace them or repair the damaged implant. Consult with our experienced dentists, who have extensive experience in performing dental implant procedures.
What Other Options Are Available for Replacing Missing Teeth Besides Dental Implants?
Implant surgery is not suitable for everyone. That’s why there are missing teeth replacements, including bridges, partial dentures, and complete dentures. Each option has its pros and cons depending on the individual’s situation.
Teeth Bridges: Bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth, as they can be more affordable than implants and require less invasive procedures. However, bridges rely on the remaining natural teeth for support, meaning that those teeth must be healthy enough to provide adequate support for the bridge.
Dentures: Partial dentures are typically used when one or more teeth are missing and are custom-made to fit the individual’s gums. Complete dentures can also be used when all teeth are missing, but they may require periodic adjustments, and they tend to be less durable than bridges or implants.
Dental implant candidates must meet specific criteria to be eligible for implant surgery. If you are looking for alternatives, consider either bridges or dentures according to your need.
Final Thoughts
The key to having a healthy, beautiful smile is proper care and maintenance, regardless of the tooth replacement you choose. Our South Perth Dental Surgery team can help you determine if dental implants are right for you, as well as any other questions or concerns regarding missing teeth replacements. Implant surgery eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis and may consider factors such as age, medical history, lifestyle habits, and oral health. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more about options for restoring a beautiful smile.
