If you are one of the millions of Americans who are missing one tooth or more, then you may be eligible for dental implants. Dental implants are advisable to prevent bone deterioration and are perhaps the most durable of all dental restorations. However, having a missing tooth is not the only factor to consider. In this article, we will go over the points that affect your eligibility for dental implants.
There are several factors that determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Here are some things to consider:
- Overall health: You should be in good general health to undergo dental implant surgery. This means that you should not have any chronic medical conditions that can affect the healing process, such as diabetes or heart disease.
- Jawbone density: Dental implants require a certain amount of jawbone density to support the implant. If you have lost too much bone due to gum disease or other reasons, you may need a bone graft before the implant can be placed.
- Gum health: Healthy gums are essential for successful dental implant surgery. If you have gum disease, it will need to be treated before the implant can be placed.
- Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is critical to the success of dental implants. If you have a history of poor oral hygiene, you may need to improve your habits before undergoing the procedure.
- Age: There is no age limit for dental implants, but younger patients may need to wait until their jawbone has finished growing before undergoing the procedure.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after dental implant surgery. If you smoke, your dentist may recommend that you quit before undergoing the procedure.
If you are interested in dental implants, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with a dentist who specializes in implant dentistry. They can evaluate your individual situation and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
About dental implants
Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, and a crown is placed atop the implant to fill the space of a missing tooth. Because of the way an implant functions in the mouth, there are certain things that might contribute to someone not being a candidate for them. The dental professional will help determine if you are a candidate or not at the initial consultation.
Initial consultation
The first stage of determining your eligibility starts with an appointment with a dental professional for an evaluation. This person will be responsible for coordinating your treatment with other professionals, as required. The initial assessment will involve examining your mouth and teeth and a comprehensive review of your dental and general health records.
The dentist will perform X-ray scans of the teeth and sometimes, a computed tomography (CT) scan. This is to gain information about the bone mass in your jaw and the location of the nerves and sinuses to make a concise assessment for the procedure. Your overall health history and oral health play a crucial role in how well and fast the implant will heal and integrate with the bone.
Without sufficient bone structure, the dental implants will not have the required support to stay firmly rooted in the jaw. This may not disqualify you as the dentist may perform a bone graft to increase bone density. This usually means extracting bone material from other parts of the body and placing it in the jaw. The dentist will inform you if you are eligible for a bone graft.
Factors which affect the success of dental implants
Certain factors such as pregnancy, smoking, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, untreated gum disease, alcoholism and radiation to the jaw can negatively affect the success of the dental implant procedure. While you may still be eligible if you have one of these issues, the dentist must first assess your condition thoroughly and treat the underlying condition to ensure proper functioning before embarking on the implant procedure.
People who are on medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants may not be suitable candidates, either. If you have the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, the pressure may affect the implants and cause damages. You may also not be eligible if your jawbones are still developing.
The bottom line
During your consultation, your dentist will discuss the available options with you, including the procedure, costs and potential complications. If you are a candidate for a dental implant, you must be ready to commit to an excellent oral care routine to ensure the success of the procedure.
Generally, dental implants have a high success rate, and most patients are usually pleased with the outcome. If you are missing a tooth, contact a dentist for an evaluation, and they will prepare a suitable treatment plan for your needs.
Dental implants allow you to regain normal function of your mouth and restore your smile after tooth loss.
Modern implants look and feel like natural teeth, thus allowing you to smile and chew with confidence. They’re truly an excellent solution for anyone who has lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or gum disease.
However, dental implants need to be properly cared for. Learning how to clean your implants to ensure their longevity and maintain their appearance is important.
Failing to maintain your dental implants can lead to a range of issues. Inflammation, discomfort, pain, bone loss, and diseases like peri-implantitis are all possible outcomes if you neglect your oral hygiene.
Follow these nine essential steps for a healthy, happy smile and long-lasting dental implants.
Preventing Peri-Implantitis
Once you have dental implants, you need a rigorous oral health regime that keeps your implants clean. Otherwise, you may develop peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is essentially gum disease of your implants. Like periodontal disease, your gums become inflamed and red. They will likely be sensitive to the touch and may bleed when you brush or floss.
Additionally, eating may be painful. However, beyond just being incredibly painful, peri-implantitis can actually cause your dental implants to fall out. Fortunately, you can prevent peri-implantitis by following these vital tips for dental implant care.
1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Hard-bristled toothbrushes should always be avoided. They can damage the enamel on your teeth and are particularly bad for dental implants. Toothbrushes with hard bristles easily scratch the surface of implants, thus causing irreversible damage.
Consequently, it’s important to use soft-bristled toothbrushes exclusively after getting dental implants.
Look for a soft nylon brush instead! These have pliable and gentle bristles that won’t damage your implants.
2. Avoid abrasive toothpaste
Any form of abrasion can damage your implants. Therefore, choose a specialty low-abrasive toothpaste.
Ordinary toothpaste tends to be highly abrasive in order to remove plaque and stains, but too much roughness wears down the enamel and dental implants.
3. Floss daily
Flossing is crucial for removing food particles and plaque that accumulates between the teeth and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
If you have dental implants, flossing is more important than ever. It’s easy for plaque to build up around implants, which is bad news for your oral health.
It’s essential to switch to an implant-friendly floss. You should floss daily with unwaxed tape or another implant-specific floss.
4. Practice good oral hygiene
You should continue to brush twice daily after getting dental implants. Remember to use non-abrasive products to protect your implants for many years to come.
A soft-bristled toothbrush, sensitive toothpaste, non-alcoholic mouthwash, and implant-specific floss are all definite must-haves. Baking soda, bleach, and chlorine cleansers should be avoided as they can weaken or permanently damage your implants.
We also recommend saying no to any intensely flavoured oral hygiene products (think mint or cinnamon) because these can cause discomfort.
5. Avoid hard, hot, or sticky foods
Hard food can damage or break your implants and should be avoided. Similarly, sticky foods can adhere around your implants and promote plaque buildup.
If you have implants, try to avoid the following: ice, hard candies, hardshell tacos, potato chips, carrots, apples, crusty bread, caramel, dried fruits, and steak.
Additionally, hot water (or hot food products, such as soups) can distort your implants’ shape.