Who Is Eligible for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium tooth replacement roots put into your jawbone. They help provide a foundation on which dentists affix permanent or removable teeth. Dentists prefer to use titanium as it is strong and malleable. It can meet a variety of needs, whether medical or cosmetic. However, dental implants are not universally conducive for everyone. You must meet several standards to be suitable for the implants.

Overall Health

To get dental implants, you must be healthy enough to undergo the procedure without any risk of complications. Your dentist will perform the surgery in two stages. The first involves drilling into your jawbone to create space for the implant.

They will then close the gums and wait for you to recover before moving to the next stage. The second stage involves the installation of the abutment. These procedures can have adverse complications if you are not eligible for the implants.

Age

Dental implants need a firm foundation to settle well. If the jaw changes shape in the future, it may distort the dental implant. Your jawbone keeps growing and changing shape until around the age of 18.

Consequently, most dentists recommend that you only have the procedure when you are above this age. Dentists may make an exception depending on their analysis of the development of the individual’s jaw. The good news is that there is no upper age limit for dental implants.

Oral Health

To be eligible for dental implants, you must be a person who has a genuine commitment to oral health. The success or failure of the procedure depends on how you maintain your dental hygiene. Regular dental appointments, as well as brushing your teeth daily, is advisable.

Keeping good oral hygiene helps hold the implants and strengthen your natural teeth. Having healthy gums is also an advantage. Gum disease guarantees failure of the procedure.

Bone Density

Dental implants need a solid bone foundation to hold them in place. They must be immovable to be successful. For this reason, they are unsuitable for persons with little or low bone mass. If you are in this category, you may need to undergo bone grafting. Your dentist may also recommend that you go for different tooth replacement options. These may include dentures or dental bridges.

Medications

Before undergoing this surgical procedure, you must consult with your dentist. During the consultation, they will inquire about any medications you are currently taking. During the procedure, you will receive anesthesia, so any medication that interferes with it will be a problem.

Dentists recommend that you avoid taking any pain-relieving medicine at least a week before the procedure. Doing this helps avoid excessive bleeding during the procedure. If you still need to take pain-relieving medication before the surgery, dentists recommend that you take acetaminophen.

Who Is Not Eligible for Dental Implants

Some lifestyle habits may hamper your eligibility for the procedure. Heavy alcohol and tobacco use interfere with the healing process in both your gums and bone tissue. Persons with any debilitating long-term illnesses and autoimmune diseases are not eligible for dental implants.

For more on dental implants, visit Clarity Dental Center at our office in Federal Way, Washington. You can call (253) 799-1490 today to schedule an appointment.