Dental Implant Candidate

Patients who have sufficient quantity and quality of jawbone tissue are in proper condition for the treatment. Healthy individuals who maintain good oral hygiene are good candidates for dental implants.

The most important conditions that makes a patient ideal for an implant dentistry treatment, are the followings:

• Good oral health

Missing tooth or teeth doesn’t mean that the patient does not have good oral health. Regular brushing (at least twice a day) with proper technique provide good oral hygiene that is greatly contribute to the success of the treatment. Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, smoke, or drink alcohol, have a lower sucess rate with dental implants, because of lower oral health.

• Gum in good condition

Since dental implants connected with gums, those patients who have gum disease/periodontal disease are not suitable candidates for dental implants. Healthy gums are ideal to support the dental implants.

• Proper bone density

Good bone density is essential, as sufficient amount of bone is indispensable to support the implant adequately. Generally, children don’t qualify for implant dentistry, since their bones are not developed properly.

• Maintaining oral health

Commitment to oral health is not only the best way to make the patient suitable for dental implants, but it also helps to prevent other serious conditions and tooth problems. Regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthash is essential for maintaining oral health, It is also recommended to participate in a dental check-up half yearly.

Circumstances where dental implants may not be suitable, or situations that have an increased risk of dental implant failure, include:

• Smoking

It restricts the blood flow to the gums, and the surrounding tissues. It may also stop the jawbone from integrating with the implant, that means the patient will not have a stable root. Hence, without a strong root, the dental implant has a high chance of failure.

• Excessive alcohol intake

It disrupts and slows down the healing process of the gums

• Periodontal gum disease:

Gum disease has to be treated prior to the implantation since severe gum diseases will cause jawbone loss.

• Immuno-compromised patients

Steroids, patients undergoing radiation treatment, auto-immune disease

• Teeth grinders (bruxism)

in case of bruxism so-called mouthguard or nightguard (also known as an occlusal splint) is provided to prevent chipping of porcelain crowns

The answer is yes. Bruxism isn’t an obstacle in case of placing a dental implant. In fact, it is a very common habit to have and it isn’t a conscious thing, it mostly happens during sleeping. Please let your dentist know if you are aware of having bruxism but he/she will also be able to recognize the symptoms.

Tooth grinding puts an extra pressure on the dental implant which can be solved a few ways. The dental crown, dental bridge or the denture can be built up from a stronger material to be able to bear the extra impact. Additional tooth implants may also be added to support the tooth replacement. In addition to the above mentioned, your dentist may also suggest you using a removable splint (also called a mouthguard) for the night to reduce pressure.

Diabetes should definitely be considered as a risk factor when getting dental implantsbecause it contributes to a higher failure rate and a higher risk of complications. Nevertheless, it is not unimaginable for a patient with diabetes to get dental implants, but certain precautions are needed in every case.

Research shows that people with controlled diabetes usually have successful implant surgeries, but patients with uncontrolled diabetes shouldn’t opt for this type of dental replacement. If the diabetes is paired with any other risk-factor (such as heavy smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, periodontal disease, etc.), dental implant surgery should not be performed.

As the risks are higher than average even with controlled diabetes, it’s essential for diabetics to be extra careful about their dental care, oral hygiene and general health when getting dental implants. Apart from brushing at least twice a day with a good technique and flossing regularly, they should also pay attention to their diet and make sure their diabetes is in check.

It is important to know that the rate of dental implant failure is higher than average in patients suffering from diabetes. This is mainly because the side-effects of diabetes can make the healing process longer and it might also affect the integration of the implant. Additionally, patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of infection and of other complications.

If you are aware of having diabetes, please make sure to let your dentist know about your condition. It is also recommended to consult with your diabetes clinician before starting the procedure.

It’s not possible to estimate on your own if the jawbone is enough for an implant dentistry procedure.

An X-ray and a CT scan are required to evaluate your bone density and volume, This technique  allows the dentist to get information about nearby anatomical structures (such as nerves) too. He/she determines whether your bone need support (i.e. an artificial bone replacement/grafting or sinus lift) to anchor firmly your dental implants.