Are You Eligible for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are realistic and functional prosthetics that can last a lifetime with proper care. This makes them the ideal answer for tooth loss, whether that loss is caused by infection or injury. But while most adults are candidates for dental implants, there are some conditions that can threaten or prevent successful integration.

In order to receive a dental implant, the bone and gums at the implant site must be healthy enough to support it, you must be old enough that your jaw has stopped growing, you must be committed to properly caring for the implant, and you must not suffer from any medical conditions that would cause the implant to fail or make the procedure dangerous for you. Some of these risk factors can be identified and eliminated to allow you to receive implants, but others are permanent.

Disqualifying conditions

Anyone with one or more of the following problems is less likely to qualify for dental implants. Other options may be available to replace missing teeth, and can be discussed with Dr. Weyneth or Dr. Sosenko.

• A compromised immune system. Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, and this risk can become severe in those whose immune systems are suppressed by medication or chronic conditions. An autoimmune disorder can also decrease your chances of a successful implantation. If you suffer from any condition which affects your immune system, you will need to discuss the type and severity of your condition with one of our dentists to determine whether you are a candidate.
• Other chronic diseases. Hemophilia, connective tissue diseases, and uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications in the procedure and the healing process.
• Certain medical treatments. Immunosuppressants, as mentioned above, can be a risk factor. Anyone who has received high-dosage radiation treatment to the head, jaw, or neck areas will also be a poor candidate.
• Smoking. Tobacco use slows healing in the mouth and increases the risk of infection and implant failure. A patient who undergoes dental implant surgery must wait a minimum of two weeks after the procedure to start smoking again. Heavy smokers who are unable to commit to this nonsmoking period will be unable to receive implants.
• Substance abuse. Alcoholism or drug use can interfere with the healing process, as well as limiting the patient's ability to follow the regimen of care that dental implants need. All candidates must be able to reliably care for dental implants before they can receive them.
• Pregnancy. The dental implant procedure, while beneficial to a patient's health, is one of many medical procedures that should be postponed until after delivery, to ensure the least risk of complications.
• Youth. As the jawbone grows, the positions of teeth and the shape of the bit can change dramatically. A child or teen with an incompletely developed jawbone cannot receive dental implants until the bone stops growing.

While not all of these conditions result in immediate disqualification, they are major risk factors that should be discussed with your dentist. There are other conditions that may affect your candidacy, that we can treat at Sherman Oaks Dental, or recommend a specialist, including:

• Insufficient bone mass. If the implant site is weakened or eroded, it can sometimes be rebuilt through the use of bone grafts prior to dental implant surgery. We can give you more detail about your options after an initial exam.
• Ongoing gum disease. Healthy gums are vital to the success of an implant, and damaged and infected gums must be treated before the procedure can take place. Read more.
• Teeth grinding. Clenching and grinding put undue pressure on the implant which can cause it to fail. Nighttime teeth grinding is often treatable with a night guard.
• Poor oral hygiene. Dental implants require attentive care, especially during the healing period following surgery. An implant that is not properly cared for is at risk of infection. Good hygiene habits must already be established before implants can be placed.

If any of these conditions affect you, you can schedule a consultation today with our office to address the problem.

Qualifying for imdediate load implants

Ordinarily, receiving new dental implants is a multi-step process that can involve months of recovery and waiting time. Many of our patients would prefer to shorten the process. This is possible with immediate load implants, which can have a crown or bridge attached within days after surgery. However, this increases the risk of implant failure, and is generally only possible in a patient with few other risk factors. You must also commit to a soft or liquid diet for several months, as the implant will be vulnerable until it has had time to integrate properly. While immediate load implants mean you won't have to live with a gap in your smile, the pros and cons must be weighed carefully.

Your smile restored

While there are some circumstances that may make dental implants a less than ideal solution, for most people, they are the best replacement for missing teeth and one of the most advanced procedures modern dentistry has to offer. The benefits of dental implants almost always outweigh the drawbacks. If you are interested in this procedure, you can request an appointment online or call our office during business hours.