For those who have lost one or more teeth, the best solution
for returning a smile to its former glory is often the installation of dental
implants through the gums and into the jawbone, providing a sturdy artificial
tooth that can go on for years without failure.
Before they can be placed,
however, it has to be determined if a patient is an ideal candidate for a
dental implant and that his or her oral health is up for the task. For
instance, a patient must have healthy gums as well as enough available bone to
anchor the implant onto the jaw. Patients who have had bone loss in the jaw can
still eventually receive implants, but they must first undergo several
procedures to help rebuild the bone.
Non-Ideal Candidates
On the other hand, there are specific cases where a patient
may not be a viable candidate for one or more dental implants, some of which
include the following:
·Pregnant women
·Young people with jaw bones that are still
growing
·Heavy smokers—because smoking deters healing
within the mouth and can reduce an implant’s success rate
·Substance abusers or alcoholics who aren’t
prepared to obey their dentist's post-surgical instructions, which includes no
smoking, return for a follow-up appointment, or maintain their implants through
good oral health care.
·Patients who have systemic problems or chronic
diseases, including connective-tissue diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, hemophilia,
and serious immune deficiencies, but it may depend on the condition’s severity
·Patients who have had high-dose radiation
treatments to the neck or head
·Patients who must ingest specific medicines,
including steroids or immunosuppressants
·Patients who clench or grind their teeth
significantly—because this could put the implants under too much pressure and
increase their risk of failing
The Evaluation
Process
Before patients can receive implants, their dentist must
evaluate them thoroughly to determine if their oral health qualifies or
disqualifies them. This process involves several players, including the dental
specialist placing the implants (periodontist, oral surgeon, or standard
dentist with implant placement training) and the restorative dentist (prosthodontist
or standard dentist). The latter makes the bridges, dentures, or crowns the implants
will support.
The first step in this process is to schedule an appointment
for evaluating a patient’s candidacy with one of these professionals, who will
coordinate treatment with the rest of the implant team. The initial appointment
includes an inspection of the teeth and mouth as well as a dental and medical history
review. The patient will also have an x-ray and possibly a CT scan of his or
her mouth, providing information regarding the shape and amount of the jaw bone
as well as where the sinuses and nerves are.
During the last stage of the evaluation process, the dentist
talks over a patient’s available options, including the procedure itself as
well as the costs and any possible complications. A patient’s dental
professional works with them to help develop a treatment plan that works best for
them and their care.
If the high cost of dental implants is scaring you away from asking your dentist about them, consider signing up for our New Hampshire Discount Dental Plans
for individuals, families, and business owner. For more information, please click here.
Copyright: r
acorn
/ 123RF Stock Photo
