Are You A Good Candidate For Dental Implant Surgery?

According to the American Association of Prosthodontists, approximately 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Moreover, 40 million Americans are also edentulous (missing all their teeth). If you fall into any of the above categories, you may be considering dental implants and dental implant surgery.

Dental implants have been the gold standard of missing teeth replacement for many years, and not without good reason. Once in place, implants represent permanent, life-like fixtures that enable the recipient to eat whatever they like while giving them a great-looking, authentic smile.

With all the positive advantages tooth implants bring, it's essential to understand what makes a good candidate for dental implant surgery. How do you know if you can have them? Here's what you need to know.

Firstly, the good news

Most people are good candidates!

Essentially, you should be an ideal candidate if you're committed to good oral hygiene, have relatively healthy gums with sufficient bone density, and have no underlying health problems. That's the bottom line!

Even if you currently have gum disease or issues with bone density, you may still be eligible for dental implants because these situations can be managed or rectified using techniques like deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), tissue grafting and bone grafting.

It's important to consider that these treatments must be carried out before you undergo dental implant surgery and will involve additional treatment time and added cost. Nonetheless, you should still be eligible after extra treatment.

That said, a thorough evaluation of the jaw, teeth and mouth is always required to see whether implant-based restorations are possible. Sometimes patients will undergo a mouth X-ray and a computed tomography (CT) scan to determine eligibility for treatment.

During an initial consultation, the implant dentist should also conduct a thorough medical examination, as overall health and medical history can play a big part in determining eligibility.

So why is eligibility necessary?

It's easy to think that being able to have dental implants is like an exclusive club where only the fittest and wealthiest human specimens are rewarded. This isn't the case.

In reality, dental implants have an excellent track record. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) suggests that 95% of all implants placed are successful.

However, despite their longevity, implants aren't invincible, and certain factors can or will affect the outcome. After all, patients wouldn't want to waste time and cash undergoing dental implant surgery only for it to fail a few months down the line. This is why dentists need to be somewhat selective in their approach.

With this in mind, let’s look at it from the other side of the equation. Who's at risk of a poor outcome after dental implant surgery?

Let's take a look.

Those with certain diseases or conditions

Diseases like uncontrolled diabetes don't fit well with dental implants. Why? Because people with non-controlled diabetes typically suffer from impaired bone fusion and an elevated risk of developing peri-implantitis.

Evidence suggests that bone fusion takes considerably longer in those with non-controllable diabetes. Essentially, bone fusion (osseointegration) gives the implant stability and strength once inserted in the jaw. Without it, there is a strong possibility that the implant will fail.

In addition, evidence also suggests that there is a direct link between diabetes and a reduction in the body's defence mechanisms. This can increase the levels of infection-causing bacteria, leaving the implant susceptible to a condition known as peri-implantitis. This inflammatory disease affects the soft and hard tissue supporting the implant.

Finally, those patients who have undergone radiation treatment in the head and neck area are also not good candidates for dental implant surgery. Why? Because any form of radiation therapy on or around the oral region, including the head and neck, can potentially weaken or damage the jaw. As a general rule, the more radiation received, the weaker the jaw will be.

Lifestyle choices

If you are a smoker, it's essential to know that smoking in any capacity can place implants at risk until they have fully stabilized in the jaw. So why is this?

Essentially, there are two reasons. Firstly, smoking impairs the oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Oxygen is vital for new bone growth, so impaired osseointegration (bone fusion) is highly likely in smokers. Secondly, every time you smoke, you're introducing around 1 million new bacteria into the mouth, most of which are bad. 

As previously discussed, dental implants are susceptible to bacteria in the early days after dental implant surgery. Hence, introducing more bacteria and pathogens via tobacco smoke is not good news for newly placed implants. 

That's not to say that you can't have dental implants if you're a smoker. But you should be prepared to quit before dental implant surgery, at least until the implant fully stabilizes in the jaw. Implant stabilization normally takes anywhere between 2 and 5 months. 

Those taking certain medications

People taking certain drugs, such as steroids or medications that suppress the immune system, may have difficulty fighting off infection. This means that people taking immune-reducing drugs like colchicine for gout, or hydroxychloroquine for lupus, may not be good candidates for dental implants.

In addition, blood-thinning drugs like warfarin or heparin can also increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, while medications like propranolol or risedronate prescribed to treat osteoporosis can also accelerate jaw bone loss. Either way, these medications could be detrimental to anyone undergoing dental implant treatment.

Bruxers and nail biters

Orla habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) and nail-biting could mean that supporting dental implants become overloaded by the patient's bite force. This can result in further bone loss and, ultimately, the failure of the implant fixture.

If you are a bruxer or a serial nail-biter, you probably should get help with the condition first before you consider undergoing dental implant surgery.

So there you have it, how to know if you're a good candidate for dental implant surgery and when you’re not!

Asa general rule of thumb, if you are a non-smoker, are in good overall health and are committed to practising good oral hygiene, you’re more likely to be a candidate for an implant-based restoration.

If you're still unsure, it's well worth talking to your local implant dentist, who will tell you one way or the other.

Even if you aren't eligible at this time, it doesn't always mean you won't ever be able to undergo dental implant treatment. Instead, it may mean that other treatments or lifestyle adjustments will need to be applied first.

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we offer a free dental implant consultation where you can come and speak to Dr Akinwande. Here you can quickly ascertain whether you're a good candidate and determine whether dental implants can help.

Want to know more?

Call 314-936-3621 or Book a consultation online today and let us plan your implant journey.

Photo attribute: image by Halayalex on Freepik

According to the American Association of Prosthodontists, approximately 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Moreover, 40 million Americans are also edentulous (missing all their teeth). If you fall into any of the above categories, you may be  considering dental implants and dental implant surgery.

Dental implants have been the gold standard of missing teeth replacement for many years, and not without good reason. Once in place, implants represent permanent, life-like fixtures that enable the recipient to eat whatever they like while giving them a great-looking, authentic smile.

With all the positive advantages tooth implants bring, it's essential to understand what makes a good candidate for dental implant surgery. How do you know if you can have them? Here's what you need to know.

Firstly, the good news

Most people are good candidates!

Essentially, you should be an ideal candidate if you're committed to good oral hygiene, have relatively healthy gums with sufficient bone density, and have no underlying health problems. That's the bottom line!

Even if you currently have gum disease or issues with bone density, you may still be eligible for dental implants because these situations can be managed or rectified using techniques like deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), tissue grafting and bone grafting.

It's important to consider that these treatments must be carried out before you undergo dental implant surgery and will involve additional treatment time and added cost. Nonetheless, you should still be eligible after extra treatment.

That said, a thorough evaluation of the jaw, teeth and mouth are always required to see whether implant-based restorations are possible. Sometimes patients will undergo a mouth X-ray and a computed tomography (CT) scan to determine eligibility for treatment.

During an initial consultation, the implant dentist should also conduct a thorough medical examination, as overall health and medical history can play a big part in determining eligibility.

So why is eligibility necessary?

It's easy to think that being able to have dental implants is like an exclusive club where only the fittest and wealthiest human specimens are rewarded. This isn't the case.

In reality, dental implants have an excellent track record. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) suggests that 95% of all implants placed are successful.

However, despite their longevity, implants aren't invincible, and certain factors can or will affect the outcome. After all, patients wouldn't want to waste time and cash undergoing dental implant surgery only for it to fail a few months down the line. This is why dentists need to be somewhat selective in their approach.

With this in mind, let’s look at it from the other side of the equation. Who's at risk of a poor outcome after dental implant surgery?

Let's take a look.

Those with certain diseases or conditions

Diseases like uncontrolled diabetes don't fit well with dental implants. Why? Because people with non-controlled diabetes typically suffer from impaired bone fusion and an elevated risk of developing peri-implantitis.

Evidence suggests that bone fusion takes considerably longer in those with non-controllable diabetes. Essentially, bone fusion (osseointegration) gives the implant stability and strength once inserted in the jaw. Without it, there is a strong possibility that the implant will fail.

In addition, evidence also suggests that there is a direct link between diabetes and a reduction in the body's defence mechanisms. This can increase the levels of infection-causing bacteria, leaving the implant susceptible to a condition known as peri-implantitis. This inflammatory disease affects the soft and hard tissue supporting the implant.

Finally, those patients who have undergone radiation treatment in the head and neck area are also not good candidates for dental implant surgery. Why? Because any form of radiation therapy on or around the oral region, including the head and neck, can potentially weaken or damage the jaw. As a general rule, the more radiation received, the weaker the jaw will be.

Lifestyle choices

If you are a smoker, it's essential to know that smoking in any capacity can place implants at risk until they have fully stabilized in the jaw. So why is this?

Essentially, there are two reasons. Firstly, smoking impairs the oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Oxygen is vital for new bone growth, so impaired osseointegration (bone fusion) is highly likely in smokers. Secondly, every time you smoke, you're introducing around 1 million new bacteria into the mouth, most of which are bad. 

As previously discussed, dental implants are susceptible to bacteria in the early days after dental implant surgery. Hence, introducing more bacteria and pathogens via tobacco smoke is not good news for newly placed implants. 

That's not to say that you can't have dental implants if you're a smoker. But you should be prepared to quit before dental implant surgery, at least until the implant fully stabilizes in the jaw. Implant stabilization normally takes anywhere between 2 and 5 months. 

Those taking certain medications

People taking certain drugs such as steroids or medications that suppress the immune system may have difficulty fighting off infection. This means that people taking immune-reducing drugs like colchicine for gout, or hydroxychloroquine for lupus, may not be good candidates for dental implants.

In addition, blood-thinning drugs like warfarin or heparin can also increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, while medications like propranolol or risedronate prescribed to treat osteoporosis, can also accelerate jaw bone loss. Either way, these medications could be detrimental to anyone undergoing dental implant treatment.

Bruxers and nail biters

Orla habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) and nail biting could mean that supporting dental implants become overloaded by the patient's bite force. This can result in further bone loss and, ultimately, the failure of the implant fixture.

If you are a bruxer or a serial nail-biter, you probably should get help with the condition first before you consider undergoing dental implant surgery.

So there you have it, how to know if you're a good candidate for dental implant surgery and when you’re not!

Asa general rule of thumb, if you are a non-smoker, are in good overall health and are committed to practicing good oral hygiene, you’re more likely to be a candidate for an implant-based restoration.

If you're still unsure, it's well worth talking to your local implant dentist, who will tell you one way or the other.

Even if you aren't eligible at this time it doesn't always mean you won't ever be able to undergo dental implant treatment. Instead, it may mean that other treatments or lifestyle adjustments will need to be applied first.

At Chesterfield Dentistry, we offer a free dental implant consultation where you can come and speak to Dr Akinwande. Here you can quickly ascertain whether you're a good candidate and determine whether dental implants can help.

Want to know more?

Call 314-936-3621 or Book a consultation online today and let us plan your implant journey.