Patients who have one or more missing teeth may be eligible for dental implants. This innovative dental restoration is the only one that replaces the entire tooth, not just the crown. A dental implant is made from biocompatible materials that are safe and durable. The implant itself resembles a screw. During the dental implant procedure, this screw-like rod is carefully and methodically placed into the jawbone where the new tooth goes.
Dental implants can also be used to replace several missing teeth in a row or an entire arch of missing teeth. In these cases, dentists may only use a few dental implants. For example, to replace an entire arch, the dentist may only need to use four implants to effectively support a denture.
Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of dental implants and who is eligible for this procedure.
The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
When it comes to choosing a tooth replacement option, it’s important to know all the details. To help patients grasp the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants, we’ll compare them to bridges and dentures.
The benefits of dental implants include:
- Stability. Dental implants anchor directly to the jawbone and fuse together through a process called osseointegration.
- No damage to healthy teeth. With a dental bridge, dentists make permanent alterations to the abutment teeth that may lead to weakened teeth over time.
- Promote a healthy jawbone. Tooth roots promote jawbone regeneration. So, when a tooth goes missing the opposite happens—the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Thankfully, the bone will grow back once an implant is placed.
- As stated earlier, dental implants can be attached to several restorations, including crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- With proper care and hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.
The disadvantages of implants include:
- Long treatment process. For some patients, the entire dental implant process takes 18 months, but it can be as little as 6 months.
- Dental bridges and dentures do not require any type of surgery to place.
- Possibility of complications. There is always a possibility of complications or infection when a person undergoes surgery. However, the dental implant procedure is nearly 100 percent successful.
- Not suitable for everyone. Unfortunately, dental implants aren’t an option for everyone. Continue reading to learn about the candidacy requirements for dental implant patients.
Reasons and Qualifications for Dental Implants
You may need dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth, are suffering from jawbone atrophy, or need a dental extraction.
Patients who are eligible for the dental implant procedure must have these qualities:
- Sufficient jawbone density. Once a tooth is lost, the jawbone deteriorates. To place an implant, the bone must be dense enough to support it. In cases where the jawbone isn’t, the dentist may recommend a bone graft.
- Good oral and overall health. Surgery requires patients to be in good overall health as conditions like heart disease and diabetes can lead to complications. Patients must also be free of cavities and gum disease that can infect the surgical site.
- Healthy lifestyle habits. Consuming too much alcohol and using tobacco products can affect the blood’s ability to clot, slow blood flow, and interfere with your immune system.
- Fully developed jawbone. Children and teens are not candidates for dental implants because the jawbone is not fully developed. However, implants may become an option once they are adults.
Dental Implants in Woolgoolga
Interested in dental implants? Our experienced and compassionate dentists at Magic Smiles are ready to help you gain and maintain a healthy beautiful smile. Contact our office today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.
