Dental implants are a relatively new and effective way to replace teeth, but only some are considered ideal candidates. To help determine if you are, we require all our patients to undergo a consultation. This guide will review what we check for to approve a patient for candidacy.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a condition that causes inflamed gums, leading to recession and loss of attachment to the teeth. If left untreated, this inflammation can spread to other areas of the mouth, including the jawbone, and become irreversible.
During the initial consultation with our office, we will perform a thorough oral examination to identify any signs of gum disease that may be present. If necessary, we will recommend treatment options such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and antibiotics so the patient can achieve optimal oral health before beginning the dental implant process.
If a patient has untreated diabetes, it is important to bring this up with the dentist. Diabetes can affect the jawbone, making it more difficult for the implant and surrounding bone to bond together. Therefore, patients who do not take medication for their diabetes should consult their primary care physician on a long-term treatment plan before beginning the dental implant process.
Cancer treatment can also affect the jawbone, similar to untreated diabetes. Undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy can damage the soft tissue around the intended implant site and cause necrosis (tissue death) in other areas of the mouth, eventually spreading to the implant site. This makes it difficult for an implant and surrounding bone to properly bond after surgery unless there is adequate time to heal since the cancer treatment.
The amount of bone in the jaw is a leading factor in determining if one is a good candidate for dental implants. If one’s overall jawbone density is low, this causes insufficient support for the implant(s), making them loose over time. Patients undergo image testing from a CT scan to determine the amount of bone available. If a patient does not have an adequate jawbone, this does not automatically decrease their chances of receiving dental implants. The dentist may recommend a bone graft to create a foundation for the implants to remain secure. However, this will vary based on the patient’s specific case.
In order to receive dental implants, dentists prefer non-smokers or people who do not consume tobacco in general. Smoking can decrease jawbone density and slow or inhibit the body's ability to heal. Additionally, the acids in cigarette smoke can damage the gum tissue, making it more likely for the patient to experience peri-implantitis, which is an infectious disease that affects the soft tissue around the implant. This condition can lead to implant failure. As a result, the dentist may recommend the patient cease smoking or other tobacco products for at least six months before scheduling another consultation.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Marco Island, FL
We hope you have found this guide helpful in understanding the signs we will look for during the dental implant screening. Call our office if you have any questions or to schedule a consultation to start the journey to your new smile.
Request an appointment or call Island Paradise Dental at 239-642-3233 for an appointment in our Marco Island office.
Dental crowns are an investment into oral health that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure longevity and function. Adopting a consistent oral hygiene routine can keep the crown in pristine condition. The following blog will discuss techniques to help you maintain and care for your new dental crowns.Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is crucial…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…
Dental fillings are ideal for treating mild to moderate cavities. They are appropriate for patients of all ages, from young children to elderly adults. In this review, we closely examine the role of dental fillings in treating dental cavities, highlighting the different types of filings, when they are recommended, and how they compare to alternative…
An emergency dentist is a licensed dentist who focuses on treating dental emergencies, such as a chipped tooth, a loose tooth, a tooth knocked out of the socket, tooth infection, lost crown, and lost filling. This review closely examines how an emergency dentistry office can assist you.Emergency dentistry offices offer prompt treatment and specialized dental…
Emergency dentistry can tell you a lot about tooth pain. They can tell you what the cause is, how to treat it, and what to do to prevent it in the future. Tooth pain is typically a sign there is something wrong with a tooth. The pain typically lingers until the root cause of it…
