Dental implants offer an alternative to traditional bridges or other prosthetics, with a secure feel from the implanted root element. The implant is surgically placed within the jawbone, designed to support a replacement tooth crown or bridge, with lasting results. An implant dentist will assess each patient to determine which are good candidates for the implant procedure. If a patient is not an ideal candidate, additional procedures or alternatives may be recommended.
As with any surgical procedure, patients that are good candidates are in good overall or general health, indicating the body is capable of handling the surgical process as well as the healing process that follows. Good overall health, however, is not always an indicator of good oral health, which is another primary factor for determining a good candidate. In general, patients with consistent and sufficient oral hygiene habits have fewer occurrences of gingivitis or other inflammation and oral health conditions.
The gingiva or gum tissue needs to be healthy in order to avoid infection, inflammation, and implant rejection or other implant related issues. The dental implants will have contact with the gums and if the gums are inflamed, infected, or diseased there is an increased risk to the patient and the results. The surgical procedure generally cannot take place until the gums are healthy; likewise for other general and oral health conditions. If the gums bleed, hurt, have any swollen or abscessed areas, or other concerns, they must be treated prior to the possibility of implant surgery.
The implant dentist will also assess jawbone health for dental implants. If the jawbone is insufficient to support the implant, the dentist will usually offer options for alternative treatments or consider the possibility of a bone graft to increase the jawbone in order to support an implant. Regardless of age, patients from all walks of life benefit from dental implants and a qualified implant dentist can assess a patient, determine if the patient is a good candidate for implants, and offer treatment options or alternatives for each case. To learn more about dental implants and treatment options, contact our experienced and caring implant dentistry team at our office today!