Are Dental Implants for Me?

Teeth may be lost due to various reasons including decay, accidents, or illnesses. Usually the loss of a single tooth does not pose a problem, and may not be a cause for concern. But when two or more teeth are lost, it may pose problems while eating.

A dental implant is the ideal solution for people that have a missing tooth or teeth. But not all of thee people will be suited for a dental implant. There are certain health requirements you have to meet if you're thinking if having a dental implantation procedure done.  A dentist will evaluate your suitability for dental implants. Typically a dentist will look for the following things in a candidate for a dental implant:  

• Gums in healthy condition
• Good general health
• Sufficient bones to hold the implanted teeth. Those that have lost bone from their jaw can still opt for an implant. But first, they must have the lost bones replaced, which would require special procedures.
• The willingness for proper maintenance and care of the gum and implanted teeth. This includes daily flossing, brushing, and regular visits to the dentist for check up.

Your dentist wont  perform a dental implant procedure in the following cases:

• You're a pregnant woman
• you are young with undeveloped jaw bones
• you smoke or drink alcohol heavily
• You have been given a high-dose of radiation in the neck or head region
• you use steroids or drugs that suppress the immune system
• you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
• you that suffer from any of these diseases: diabetes, high blood pressure, hemophilia, connective tissue diseases, and immune deficiencies.

The evaluation process starts when you visit a dentist. After a preliminary physical examination of the mouth and the teeth, your dentist will suggest an x-ray and CT scan. After studying the reports, your dentist may advise a dental implant. Then, he will evaluate your eligibility for an implant based on the above points and your medical history.  

If you're eligible, your dentist will discuss various implant options and their dental implant cost. He will also discuss the possible complications during and after the surgery. After agreeing on a particular procedure, he will fix a date for the implant.

The entire dental implantation procedure is a team effort.  Your general dentist will discuss the procedure and provide options. An oral surgeon or a periodontist will place the implant. Then it’s the job of the prosthodontist to restore oral function with crowns, bridges, or dentures, which the implant will support.