Missing teeth can take a toll on your self-esteem. It affects the way you look or talk- thereby making an impact on your quality of life. Modern tooth replacement options like implants can feel like a breath of fresh air. However, not everyone can be a candidate for dental implants.
Modern dentistry has blessed us with many options to fill the gaps left by missing teeth and find back our confidence. Tooth implants is one of them. What makes it even more appealing is that it integrates with your jawbone and functions like a real tooth. The real struggle is to find out whether you can be a candidate for dental implants.
There are a few key factors to consider when evaluating your candidacy. This blog by Innova Dental takes you further into this so that you can see through this maze.
The Overview of Dental Implants
Dental implant is a tooth replacement procedure that focuses on filling the blank space in your dental arch left by a missing tooth. This is a permanent solution and doesn’t need rigorous maintenance.
There are three parts of this; i.e. the root, the connector, and the crown. The Titanium/ Zirconia post acts as an artificial root to the new tooth. The dental crown sits at the top of your gum and looks like a natural tooth. A small connector called abutment is used to attach the crown with the post for a stable foundation.
Factors To Consider While Choosing A Candidate For Dental Implants
While choosing a candidate for dental implants, dentists assess several factors which includes:
1. Oral Health
The condition of your teeth and gum is of much importance to determine the candidacy. There should not be any active periodontal disease or untreated tooth decay. Oral hygiene scores must be good as well.
2. General Health
If the candidate is overall healthy, only then they can become a candidate for dental implants. Any individual suffering from chronic conditions that can delay the healing process cannot opt for an implant procedure.
3. Bone Density
The implant post integrates with the bone that is left of the missing tooth. Therefore, the candidate for dental implants must have adequate jawbone density to bear the desired treatment outcomes. Our dentist at Innova Dental can guide you how to obtain adequate bone density through grafts.
4. Age
The basic candidacy factor is age. One cannot appear for dental implants procedure unless they are 18 years old. This is because the jawbone does not wholly develop until one reaches that age bar and the treatment cannot be performed on vulnerable bone.
5. Commitment
The right mindset is mandatory to appear for any treatment. The dentist must confirm that an individual is committed to oral hygiene. Also, the dentist should make sure the candidate for dental implants is well-aware of the step-by-step process, recovery after dental implants, and associated risk factors before signing up for it.
When Dentists Do Not Recommend Tooth Implants?
There are times when your dentist may not recommend dental implants as the proper treatment option for an individual.
- Uncontrolled diabetes is a red flag. Anyone with high blood sugar has compromised healing capacity cannot experience the optimal outcome of implant procedure.
- Cardiological issues are a strict no-no when it comes to choosing candidates for dental implants. People with unstable heart conditions may not cope well with the stress of surgery or potential infection.
- Chain smokers are not fit to have this procedure. Nicotine is responsible for constricting blood vessels. Inadequate blood flow restricts both healing and bone integration.
- Pregnant women should not go through tooth implant surgery unless they have safely delivered the baby.
What Happens When Dental Implant Is Performed On Non-eligible Candidates?
Not everyone can be a candidate for dental implants, and that’s okay. There are plenty of alternate treatment options. If you are not eligible but still want to try your luck, you’re landing yourself in big trouble. Let’s look at the consequences of performing dental implants procedure on non-eligible candidates.
- Implant failure
- Nerve damage
- Peri-implantitis
- Increased bone loss
- Osteoradionecrosis
- Uncontrolled post-op bleeding
- Physical and mental stress
- Medical debt
Overcoming Candidacy Challenges
If you want to be a candidate for dental implants but don’t know how to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. With thorough adherence to the following guidelines, you can remove your temporary “non-eligible” status and flaunt your dream smile.
- Jawbone Issues: Bone grafting can help to overcome bone deficiency. A sinus lift works well for premolar or molar regions in the upper jaw. Ridge expansion adds further support. Use of different implant sizes or modern options like Zygomatic implant can tackle the jawbone issues.
- Systemic Health Problems: Uncontrolled blood sugar, heart problems can challenge your candidacy. Proper diet, regular checkups, etc. can help you obtain clearance for surgery from the physician. At times, antibiotics or supplements are prescribed pre or post surgery to minimize risks. If there is any existing periodontal disease, it must be treated.
- Behavioural Factors: Smokers must seek help to get rid of this harmful habit and become a candidate for dental implants. Also, issues related to poor oral hygiene can be overcome through proper education. Lifestyle changes are required to maintain long-term oral health and get a tooth implant.
Conclusion
Tooth implant is a complex procedure. Before performing it on an individual, the dentist must go through the factors which need to be considered for treatment success. Any wrong move, and all your investment is likely to go down the drain.
Being a candidate for dental implants requires a lot more than physical wellness and mental commitment, it’s about how you mould yourself to embrace a change you have been longing for. It can be an aligned smile or good oral functions, small steps can make you a candidate for dental implants.
Even if you feel lost or dejected in life, a confident smile can work wonders. Are you ready to replace your missing tooth? Make an appointment with Innova Dental!