Dental implants refer to restorations that replace the whole tooth structure, from the root to the crown. It comprises a metal post that is inserted into the jawbone through a surgical procedure to replace the root of the tooth, an abutment to connect the artificial tooth to the dental implant screw, and a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture that acts as an artificial tooth.
Dental implants correct a wide range of dental defects. They have transformed the world of dentistry, providing a natural and long-term solution to dental problems. However, people often ask, “When should I consider having dental implants?” This blog discusses the factors that can assist you in determining when it is appropriate to consider dental implants.
When You Have Several or One Chipped or Missing Tooth
Not only do missing teeth impact the capability to drink, talk, and chew, but they also put you at risk for recurring infection and headaches. Dental implants can fill the gap if one or several teeth are chipped or missing due to disease, decay, or injury. These restorations do not depend on other teeth for support; thus, natural teeth remain undisturbed and healthy. Also, dental implants appear natural and will give you more confidence—it is difficult to notice the difference between natural teeth and dental implants.
Since the titanium post part of the implant joins to your jawbone, the dental implants will not make noise, slip, or cause jawbone damage like the fixed dentures or bridgework might. This will give you a higher quality of life, enabling you to speak properly, smile confidently, and eat your favorite foods. You can live your life with dental implants just as you would if you had never chipped or lost your teeth.
The implants additionally stimulate jawbone growth, helping prevent jawbone resorption, prevent changes in your face’s shape, and maintain your bite. And because the materials cannot decay, like natural teeth can, you need not worry about dental caries—practice proper dental hygiene and go to your dental appointment twice a year. Most importantly, tooth implants are the most long-lasting option for replacing missing or chipped teeth.
There are various types of tooth implants based on how many teeth need replacement. Single-tooth implants are the best for a single tooth that requires replacement. However, dentists generally recommend implant-supported bridges if you miss a few teeth. All-on-X implants, or implant-supported dentures, are the best if you need a full arch or a complete set of bottom or top replacement teeth.
When You Have Enough Jawbone Density to Anchor the Implants
The implant must be anchored in position by the jawbone. The jawbone density must be adequate to perform this role. Implants anchored by the appropriate jawbone density have higher rates of success. If the bone is too weak, the dental implant might not fuse with it during osseointegration. Additionally, the bone must provide a strong foundation to resist bite force and ensure the dental implant remains in position.
You may still be eligible for implant placement if you lack the required bone density, perhaps because it has weakened or shrunk. In this case, you might have to undergo bone grafting first. That is because the intense chewing action of your mouth exerts significant pressure on your jawbone. If your jawbone cannot support the dental implant, the surgery would likely fail. Bone grafting can create a more stable foundation for the tooth implant. That said, if you do not have sufficient jawbone, you must qualify and be able to withstand the bone grafting procedure to consider implants.
Your dentist can use various bone graft materials to rebuild your jawbone. The options include a natural bone graft, for example, from a different location in your body. Another choice is a synthetic bone graft, like bone-substitute materials, that can give more support for new bone development. Other choices include taking bone from an animal source or a human donor. Speak with our dentist regarding which option is ideal for you.
It might take many months for the grafted bone to grow sufficient new bone to anchor an implant. In some instances, you might require only slight bone grafting. In that case, your dentist can conduct the procedure simultaneously with the dental implant surgery. Your jawbone condition determines how your dentist will proceed.
When Your Face is Sinking In
If your face has a caved-in appearance, you could benefit from implants. The sunken-in scar can happen when you have jawbone loss due to missing teeth, and it is also prevalent in patients who wear dentures. Dentures do not promote jawbone growth like dental implants, meaning the jawbone will continue to recede.
If you have a caved-in facial appearance, let your dentist inspect your jawbone. They can also mention the advantages of tooth implants. The natural lift accompanying dental implants gives your face a youthful look and promotes the capability to speak and chew.
When You Have a Deteriorating Jawbone
If your teeth have been missing for a while, your jawbone may have started to recede and deteriorate. Apart from filling the gap left by missing teeth, implants also assist in replacing the tooth structure. Dentists place implants directly in the jawbone, which helps prevent further recession. Without implants, you risk additional jawbone-related issues leading to further tooth loss. With time, dental implants will stabilize the jawbone and prevent the problems from continuing.
If you notice any bone deterioration, you can consider dental implants. Discuss the advantages of tooth implants with your dentist before deciding to undergo the procedure. For example, implants assist in strengthening the jawbone and stopping further jawbone loss that missing teeth cause.
When You Have Signs of an Infection
Your teeth can become infected because of an injury, periodontal disease, or other reasons. However, regardless of the cause, you may benefit from implants should the infection become bad enough. If the infection has damaged the tooth’s integrity so much that saving the tooth is impossible, you can consider an implant. Not only will the implant relieve you from the infection-related pain, but it will also assist in preventing more severe health issues because of untreated infection.
If you have an infection and need a tooth implant, you want to discuss the risks of untreated infections with your dentist. For example, infections can cause further loss of teeth. Additionally, they can spread to other body parts and cause more health problems.
When Dentures Are Not Fitting Correctly
When dentures do not fit properly, they can lead to discomfort and pain in the mouth. Dental implants are a more ideal and secure option than dentures due to their capability to function like natural teeth. Implants can come in handy if you experience the pain of ill-fitting dentures, as they remain intact and do not shift like dentures. This assists in preventing further irritation and can significantly lower discomfort.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of switching to tooth implants if you have ill-fitting dentures. Some benefits include the durability of the implants, the money you will save over time, and the placement requiring fewer dental visits.
When You Have Good Oral Health
You must have healthy gums and teeth and be devoted to keeping them that way. Your dental professional will assess your teeth and gums for tooth decay and gum disease. They must resolve any oral health problems before the dental implant placement procedure. Also, correcting any poor oral habits, like teeth grinding, is crucial. Plus, you must be devoted to oral hygiene before and after the procedure. Floss and brush regularly to prevent infections, and schedule dental checkups twice a year. Failure to care for your mouth can lead to implant failure.
If You Can Commit Time to the Implant Process
The entire dental implant placement procedure, from the first consultation to installation, varies from one patient to another based on several factors. However, it generally lasts many months or even one year. The process includes assessment, planning, surgical placement of the implant posts, osseointegration, and placement of the final fake teeth on the implant posts.
The whole treatment period ranges from the immediate placement of implants and tooth restorations after tooth extraction to many months after implant installation. More intricate treatments often take longer. That
That said, you must be ready to devote yourself to attending numerous dental visits and patiently waiting for your implants to heal to ensure long-lasting safety and success of the dental treatment. You want to consult your dental professional, who needs to assess your dental history, existing condition, and medical history to establish the ideal treatment approach.
If You Want a Long-Lasting Solution to Correct a Dental Problem
If you have bridges or dentures, you might have to replace them every few years. On the contrary, dental implants can last many years with good care. If you are looking for a durable solution to tooth loss, many people find implants a reliable, long-lasting option that supports confidence and function. A qualified dentist can evaluate your needs and assist you in deciding if dental implants are the ideal choice for your smile.
If You Have Good General Health
Your physical health may affect your eligibility to undergo the dental implant procedure. You must be healthy enough to have the surgery. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, ensure it is well-controlled before the procedure.
Age Considerations
Age is also a factor when thinking about undergoing the dental implant process. Whereas there is no upper age limit to undergo dental implant treatment, young adults and children might have bones that have not developed fully, impacting implant success. Therefore, young people must wait for their jawbones to fully develop before considering having these dental restorations. This is generally around 18 years or later.
If You Are Unwilling to or Are Not Able to Wear Dentures
Some people cannot or are unwilling to wear dentures for several reasons. For one, dentures can have movement and poor retention. They often wobble, slip, or shift, making it challenging to eat particular foods, feel confident in social situations, and speak clearly.
Also, many people will not feel comfortable wearing dentures because of the need to use adhesives to assist in keeping them intact, which could be bothersome and an inadequate solution for activities such as eating. In addition, without the tooth root’s support, chewing can be uncomfortable and challenging, usually needing a diet of softer foods. Dentures may also need to be removed to be cleaned, and many people may be incapable of keeping up with the routine.
If you are unwilling or cannot wear dentures for one reason or another, you can consider dental implants. Dental implants offer the same benefits dentures offer and more. For example, they provide a stable, comfortable, and permanent solution that resembles original teeth while conserving the jawbone and enhancing facial structure.
The implants’ stability also increases the biting force, enabling you to eat many foods. You can consider dental implants the ideal alternative to dentures, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements for a dental implant.
Other factors that can make you want to consider dental implants include he following:
- If you have difficulty chewing: Is it difficult to chew food due to loose dentures or missing teeth? Consider going the dental implants way. Dental implants are strong and remain intact in position, making it easier to eat all foods.
- If your gums are healthy: You require healthy gums for anchoring the dental implant. If you suffer from gum disease, you must have it treated before undergoing the dental implant process.
- No smoking: cigarette or tobacco smoking slows the recovery process and raises the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, stopping can enhance your probability of success.
- If you have speech issues: Loose dentures or missing teeth can make you slur or mumble your words. Implants can assist you in speaking clearly again.
When Not to Consider Dental Implants
You should be eligible for dental implants, provided you have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone mass to anchor the dental implant. If you lack adequate jawbone mass, your dental professional can do bone grafting to boost the jawbone density. However, if you fall under any of these groups, you should not consider undergoing dental implant treatment:
If You Have a Chronic Illness
If you suffer from a chronic disease such as uncontrolled diabetes, leukemia, osteoporosis, or immune-related problems, dental implants may not suit you. These illnesses could impair the recovery process after the implant placement procedure. That does not mean you cannot undergo the implant procedure, but your dental professional will have to plan carefully.
If You Are a Young Child or the Elderly
To undergo the dental implant procedure, your bone should be 100% developed, with no chance of having further growth spurts. Should a child undergo the dental implant process, the implants can prevent further jawbone growth, leading to failure and possible oral complications. Also, older people, particularly those over 85 years old, might not be ideal tooth implant candidates since they are highly likely to be suffering from chronic diseases and have an increased risk associated with any surgery.
If You Have Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Tooth implants are not affected by tooth decay, but the area adjacent to the implant is. This increases the chances of dental implant failure. If you do not floss, brush, or visit your dentist regularly, an implant procedure may not succeed. Or if the procedure is successful, the implant might not last long. Caring for your mouth is necessary for the success of a dental implant.
If You Smoke, Chew Tobacco, or Drink Alcohol
Due to the dangerous chemicals from smoke, tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol, not all smokers’ tooth implant surgeries will be a success. That is because cigarette smoke damages the surrounding bone and gum tissue, and alcohol prevents the body from properly healing. Smoking also impedes healing and lowers blood flow. Nicotine and tobacco slow down the recovery process and hinder the jawbone from osseointegrating with the dental implant. If you smoke heavily, your dental professional may recommend other options.
If You Grind Your Teeth
Clenching or grinding your teeth is also known as bruxism. It can exert additional pressure on dental implants, damaging them. You may need a night guard to safeguard your newly found teeth. If you have concerns or questions regarding teeth grinding, bone structure, and gum health, your dentist can assist you in understanding if you are an ideal fit for dental implants.
Contact an Experienced Dentist Near Me
If you are unsure when to undergo the implant placement procedure, the above factors will help you make an informed decision. More importantly, you want to consult a qualified dental professional. At Beach Dental Care Anaheim, we will examine your medical and dental history before determining whether you can have implants. If they are not ideal for you, we will recommend treatment that suits your needs and gives you value for your money. Call us today at 714-995-4000 if you need dental treatment in Anaheim, CA, and talk to one of our skilled dental professionals.
