Implants are the closest option to your natural teeth. Implants are permanent, as strong or solid as natural teeth, and are visually indistinguishable after insertion. Although the vast majority of people are suitable for dental implants, there are rare occasions when the procedure is not feasible. Below are four factors that affect your suitability for dental implants.
1.Gum and Jaw Bone Health
Gums and jawbone play a crucial role in the success of dental implants. The titanium root of a dental implant fuses with the jawbone to stay in place. This process is called osseointegration and will fail if the jawbone is not dense enough to secure the implant. In some cases, oral surgeons can overcome this limitation by grafting bone tissue from other parts of the body.
The gingival tissue provides greater support and protection for the implant roots and a platform on which the crown will rest. Since gingival deterioration is often a symptom of periodontal disease, it is another obstacle to implant installation. Patients with periodontal disease will generally continue to lose gum tissue unless they make significant changes in their dental hygiene habits and are at greater risk of infection after implantation.
2.Age and Facial Development
Because dental implants require a solid foundation, any future change in the shape or size of the jaw could be disastrous for the success of the implant. This is why most dentists often refuse to place implants in patients under the age of 18. However, dentists can make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, after analyzing the level of development of the jaw. Many adults will be pleased to know that there is no upper limit on the age of eligibility for dental implants. Implants can provide permanent restoration even in adults 80 years of age and older, as long as the patient does not have significant risk factors and has a healthy jaw.
3.Available Drugs
It is wise to understand the risks and potential side effects of any medication you take before considering any surgical procedure, and dental implant surgery is no exception. You should especially pay attention to the drugs that can affect the anesthesia used during dental implant surgery.
Avoid aspirin and NSAID (advil) pain relievers one week before the procedure to prevent excessive bleeding. Also, be sure to disclose any prescription medications you take to your dentist so they can give you more detailed information on what’s safe. If you need pain relievers before your surgery, acetaminophen is recommended.
4.Other Risk Factors
There are several other health conditions and habits that can act as risk factors for people considering dental implant surgery. Tobacco and alcohol use can both prevent healing in gum and bone tissue, and tobacco smoke causes dry mouth and increases the risk of infection. Avoiding this and other medications will reduce the chances of implant rejection.
Patients suffering from systemic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and certain autoimmune diseases are at greater risk for infection or implant complications. Drugs used for osteoporosis, and other bone deterioration diseases, also contribute greatly to implant complications. Finally, dentists may reject patients with psychological problems or other conditions that make post-operative implant care difficult or impossible.
A dental implant is one of the safest types of oral surgery, and most people will be fit right now and with minor changes in their lifestyle.
