By Maylands Dental Centre 
After you lose a tooth, the bone that supported that tooth will begin to deteriorate. Dental implants help prevent this bone loss by providing an artificial tooth root system for your replacement teeth.
Dental implant treatment can replace one tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. However, they’re not for everyone.
If you’re considering dental implants, here’s what you need to know about the procedure and whether it’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.
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What Makes A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a viable option to replace missing teeth and have become a popular treatment option in recent years. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Certain qualities make an ideal candidate for dental implants. They are as follows:
- Patients with a healthy jawbone:
Dental implants require adequate bone density and a healthy jawbone to fuse with. Those with inadequate bone density or severe bone loss must undergo a bone grafting procedure before getting dental implants. - Non-smokers:
Dental implants are suited for patients who do not smoke, as smoking and tobacco products can interfere with recovery and delay healing. - People with healthy gum tissues:
A qualified candidate should have no active gum disease or other gum issues. - Patients in good general health:
Those with medical conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes may not be suitable candidates because these conditions can impede the healing process. - Those with good oral hygiene:
Good dental hygiene is also essential, as dental implants require a clean mouth, teeth, and gums to be successful. People with good oral hygiene are ideal candidates. - Those willing to commit to regular dentist visits:
Dental implants require regular cleaning and checkups to ensure they remain in good condition. Doing so can also help dentists catch problems early, should there be any.
If you meet these criteria and are considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dental professional to see if a dental implant procedure is right for you.
Why Do People Get Dental Implants?
In general, tooth implants are indicated when there is a need to:
- Replace a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged:
A dental implant is recommended if the severely damaged or decayed tooth can no longer be saved with a filling, dental crown, or another type of restoration. - Preserve facial structure after losing teeth:
When a tooth is lost or removed, the bone that supported that tooth starts to shrink. Tooth loss often leads to a change in the height and width of the alveolar ridge (bone) and a loss of support for the mouth, lip, and cheek. Dental implants commonly prevent these consequences and help restore facial harmony and esthetics. - Support a dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth:
Dental implants can help support a removable denture, making it more stable and comfortable. They can also support a fixed bridge, eliminating the need to grind down adjacent teeth (as is often necessary with a traditional dental bridge). - Improve aesthetics:
People may get implants to improve their appearance. An implant treatment can give you a more youthful look by completing your smile and providing support to your lips and cheeks. - Improve function:
Implants can also make it easier to eat and speak. If you have gaps in your teeth, you may find it difficult to bite and chew food properly. Dental implants can support your teeth and help restore your ability to eat and speak normally. - Improve dental health:
Dental implants fill the gap left by missing teeth, making it easier to brush and floss the teeth. This way, the risk of having tooth decay and gum disease decreases, improving dental health.
When Are Dental Implants Not A Treatment Option?
Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. However, implant treatment is not right for everyone. Certain conditions or qualities of patients can make implants a less ideal treatment option. Here are some of them:
- Patients who have poor oral health
- Those who have undergone radiation therapy to the neck area or the head
- Patients diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer.
- Those with severe gum disease or periodontal disease
- Heavy smokers
Final Thoughts
An implant is a metal post placed into the jawbone. This post serves as a new “root” for the tooth. However, some people are hesitant to get dental implants because they’re unsure if they’re the right option.
If you’re on the fence about dental implants, we hope this article has helped you better understand what they are and how they work.
At Maylands Dental Centre, we offer implant dentistry services to our patients in a comfortable and relaxed environment. We want to make each patient feel confident in their decision to pursue dental implants, so if you have any questions or concerns, please book an appointment for a consultation at our dental clinic. You may book through our website or call us today.
A member of our dental team would be happy to discuss your case with you and help you determine if dental implants are a suitable option for restoring your smile.
Frequently Asked questions
Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are properly cared for. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be replaced or repaired since some factors can lead to breakage and implant failure.
The average lifespan of dental implants is 25 years, but several factors affect their longevity, such as:
- The health of the gums
- The quality of the implant
- How well the implant is cared for
Dental implant surgery is one of the most successful implant treatments available. The success rate for tooth implant surgery is typically between 90% and 95%. Implant surgery is an effective treatment for people who are missing one or more teeth.
Several factors contribute to the success of implant surgery, including:
- The experience of the implant surgeon
- The overall health of the patient
- The type of implant used
In most cases, implant surgery is a safe and effective replacement of missing teeth.
While implant treatment is generally safe and successful, some potential health complications can occur.
The most common complication is dental implant failure, which occurs when the titanium post does not fuse properly with the jawbone. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to the surrounding teeth. Occasionally, implant failure may require additional oral surgery to remove the implant.
Other potential complications include nerve damage, sinus problems, and problems with chewing or speaking. While these complications are rare, they can occur in a small percentage of patients. To minimise risks, proper oral and dental care is needed.
As with any surgical procedure, it is important to consult your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if implant treatment is right for you.
The high cost of dental implants can also be attributed to the fact that it is a complex and lengthy process. Because implant surgery is a major procedure, it is usually more expensive than other dental procedures, such as bridges or dentures.
In addition, implant surgery is often not covered by dental insurance, so patients may need to pay for the entire cost out-of-pocket.
However, many patients feel that the benefits of implant surgery outweigh the dental implant costs. Implant-supported teeth look and function like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. In addition, implant surgery can help preserve the jawbone and prevent premature aging. For these reasons, dental implants are often considered worth the investment.
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