Missing teeth can affect more than your smile. They can make it hard to eat, alter your speech, and make you feel less confident in normal circumstances. Dental implants can provide a permanent solution to the loss of a tooth, but they are not suitable for everyone.
The health of your gums, jawbone, and overall health are important. The bright side is that even if you’ve been told that there’s little you can do, you may find answers that make sense to an experienced dental care provider.
Adults With One or More Missing Teeth
Adults who have lost a tooth due to a dental disease such as decay or gum disease, or as a result of injury, may be good candidates for permanent dental implants. They insert a small post into the bone of the jaw, into which a replacement tooth is fixed.
Unlike a conventional bridge, an individual dental implant is able to replace a missing tooth without the use of neighboring teeth. For those who have multiple missing teeth, implants can also be used as anchorage for bridges or dentures.
People With Healthy Gums and Sufficient Jawbone
Gum health and sufficient jawbone are both critical to successful dental implants. The implant must be able to develop a firm base to attach to the rest of the bone during healing.
Your dentist will check your gums and may take digital X-rays or a 3D scan to determine the amount of bone that is available for an implant. Typically, an active oral infection or untreated gum disease needs to be addressed prior to receiving implant surgery.
In case of bone loss, bone grafting can be used to regenerate bone mass. This will vary from person to person based on oral health and anatomy.
Patients Who Are in Good General Health
The health of your entire body can affect the healing process post-implant surgery. Diabetes and other medical conditions can impact healing, especially if blood glucose levels are not under control.
Certain medications and medical treatments may also affect your suitability for surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and implant failure, so discussing your habits openly with your dentist is important.
Having a medical condition doesn’t necessarily mean implants are off the table. Your dentist can refer you to your doctor or suggest ways to better prepare for treatment.
People Ready to Commit to Long-Term Oral Care
Dental implants aren’t maintenance-free. The replacement teeth do not form cavities, but the gums around the teeth can still become inflamed or infected.
Daily oral hygiene is very important. Brush, clean between teeth and around the implant twice a day, and have regular dental checkups. Your dentist may suggest particular brushes or tools to help clean your implants.
Other habits like smoking and untreated teeth grinding can impact the long-term results. Tackling these issues prior to treatment may help safeguard your investment. The life expectancy of implants varies, depending on placement, and of course, health and maintenance.
