Am I a candidate for dental implants? Lara and Geelong

A common misconception when it comes to dental implants is the ‘suitable age’ to receive them. Luckily, almost everyone is a suitable candidate.

Suitable candidates

If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be the perfect candidate for dental implant treatment. Only dental implants can replace your entire tooth, including the root structure. You can forget about your ill-fitting dentures, unsatisfactory prosthetics or gaps due to missing teeth, as dental implants will provide a strong and long-term solution.

Most patients, who are in good general health with good oral hygiene, are suitable for dental implants. Prior to the commencement of any treatment, a thorough oral and medical assessment will be conducted on an individual case basis. A good candidate for an implant procedure is someone who has adequate bone structure and does not have a severe medical condition.

The main requirements for dental implant treatment include:

An adequate amount of bone present within the jaw – As dental implants require successful fusion to the jawbone, if there is not enough bone present in the area, you will be at high risk of implant failure. In the case of an inadequate amount of jawbone, bone grafts may be required before beginning treatment. It is extremely important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible, because your jawbone will gradually start to deteriorate following tooth loss, making it more difficult to undergo dental implant surgery.

No presence of gum disease – Although being a major cause of tooth loss, gum disease can cause dental implant failure. Any occurrence of gum disease will need to remove before dental implant surgery can begin.

A good level of general health – All forms of surgery have a risk of complication. Although uncommon, being in good overall health will ensure you can recover from any associated risks or complications.

Any pre-existing condition which may cause inflammation of the gums, such as diabetes, respiratory disease, or even pregnancy, could affect your candidacy for dental implant surgery. If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended you quit before undergoing dental implant treatment.

If you are considering dental implants and would like more information about how you can benefit from this treatment, contact Dr Charlie Kahwagi today!