Dental implants are an incredible advance in medical technology. This procedure allows dentists to place an artificial tooth in your jaw that looks and functions like a regular tooth and can restore a healthy smile to patients with one or more missing teeth.
While a dental implant can be an excellent treatment for many people, this surgical procedure can have some drawbacks, so it is important to separate myth from fact. If you are considering replacing a missing or damaged tooth, you should know the truth about dental implants and speak to a dentist that offers a free consultation to learn more.
The Truth About Dental Implants: They Aren’t Right for Everyone
One of the most important truths about dental implants is that they aren’t for everyone. Teenagers are not ideal candidates as their jaws have not finished developing. A dental implant is implanted into the jawbone, and if the jaw hasn’t stopped growing, it can cause the implant to move, causing tooth misalignment.
People with osteoporosis are ineligible for dental implants. The implant procedure requires the fusion of the metal implant and jawbone through osseointegration. If the bone has insufficient density, the implant cannot be appropriately placed, and if a person has advanced osteoporosis, they may lack the capacity for enough bone growth for successful osseointegration.
There are also a few medical conditions and limiting factors that may reduce the success of a dental implant and may lead a dentist to recommend an alternative treatment.
Some of these conditions include:
- Alcoholism or drug addiction
- Suppressed immune system
- Cancer
- Severe gum disease
- Blood disorders
- Poor oral health
People taking certain medications, including Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast, are not ideal candidates for dental implants as these medications can prevent proper osseointegration.
The Truth About Dental Implants: Dental Implants Take Time
The full process of dental implants can take between 3 and 15 months. The procedures can be completed in a matter of hours, but the healing time between them can vary widely.
There are several stages involved in the dental implant process. First, removal of any remaining tooth material, with a 1-3 month recovery time. Next, a bone graft may need to be placed to regenerate tissue at the dental implant site, which requires 3-12 months of healing. Then, you’ll have your dental implants surgically placed with a 3-9 month recovery time depending on the speed of osseointegration.
You’ll also need to attend a second surgical appointment for the abutment placement, then a final visit to place the restoration.
This long period may make patients reluctant to try dental implants. Get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to learn more and better understand your oral health and how long the process might take for you. Ultimately, like so many other Australians, you may decide that since dental implants are a permanent solution that prevents bone resorption and allows you to eat your regular diet, they are well worth the recovery time.
The Truth About Dental Implants: There Are Good Alternatives
Dental implants are not the only way to repair missing or lost teeth. Dental bridges and traditional dentures can be good solutions for patients who are not ideal candidates for a dental implant.
It is also possible that you might be a candidate for an All-on-4 dental implant procedure.
Instead of putting an implant in your jaw for each missing tooth, this technique gives you a full arch of 10-14 teeth with just four implants.
Find the Right Missing Tooth Replacement Treatment for You
Knowing the truth about dental implants can help you make the right decision about your health and help you achieve the smile you want. Book a free dental consultation near you to learn more. Call us today on (02) 4058 2836.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Implants in adolescents
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3800426/
Impact of osteoporosis in dental implants: A systematic review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363814/
Patients’ Perception of Recovery after Dental Implant Placement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8538387/
