Dental implants are rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for missing teeth. They can be completed in a single visit, and unlike dentures or bridges, they seem completely natural. However, there are certain people who can’t obtain them because of their health.
When a tooth is lost, implant are a great option for replacing it. Replacement teeth are a viable option for people who have lost their natural teeth due to sickness, injury, or old age. However, this poses a problem if your skeletal system isn’t robust enough. So what happens if your jaw is too short?
Dental implants may be more challenging to attain in cases like these, but they are still possible. Having enough bone density to hold the implant post is essential for a successful dental implant procedure in addition to having enough room in the mouth and choosing an appropriate location for the tooth.
In this article, I’ll explain who is a good candidate for dental implants, the procedure itself, and what else you need to consider before making an appointment to see a dentist.
Getting dental implants done might drain your bank account. Dental implants are a need, but few people have the financial resources to cover the cost on their own. Fortunately, there’s many a few solutions for those in this position. If you don’t have dental insurance and can’t obtain dental implants for free or at a reduced cost through Obamacare, Medicare, or another programme, your dentist can help you figure out what your next best step should be and get you the best deal available.
What Are Dental Implants?
Tooth implants are artificial tooth roots. Fixed or temporary replacement crowns that are crafted to look and feel like your natural teeth can be supported by implants.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a number of benefits, such as:
- Modified to have a better outward presentation. A dental implant can replace a missing tooth and restore your smile’s natural beauty and function. And since they’re meant to eventually merge with bone, they’re irreversible.
- Modifications made to the voice. If your dentures don’t fit properly, they may slip inside your mouth and make you slur your speech or mumble. Without having to worry about any of your teeth shifting when you speak, dental implants are a life-changing option.
- Elevated ease. Implants are preferable to removable dentures because they fuse with your jawbone and feel natural.
- Facilitated digestion. It might be challenging to chew with dentures that slip. Dental implants mimic the appearance and feel of natural teeth, so you can enjoy all your favourite foods without fear of discomfort.
- Higher levels of confidence. Dental implants can restore your confidence and self-esteem by replacing missing teeth.
- They now have better oral health. Unlike with a tooth-supported bridge, dental implants don’t call for the preparation of healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Long-term dental health is enhanced since fewer of your natural teeth need to be removed or altered to accommodate the implant. By eliminating obstacles, the placement of individual implants facilitates better dental care by facilitating access between teeth.
- Durability. Unlike other treatment options, implants are long-lasting and won’t need to be replaced for a very long time. Many implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
- Convenience. The dentures in question can be taken out whenever you like. Dentures can be embarrassing to remove in public, and using messy chemicals to maintain them in place is a thing of the past when you have dental implants.
How Successful Are Dental Implants?
Depending on the area of the jaw in which the implant is placed, the success percentage of dental implants can range from 80% to 98%. If you take good care of your implants, they might last a lifetime.
What is the dental implant procedure?
What follows is a process for placing an endosteal dentist. However, take into account that due to the aforementioned differences, no two therapeutic interventions will be the same.
- Visit your dentist for a consultation on a personalised treatment strategy. Costs, insurance, and a timetable may all be discussed at this session.
- A tiny titanium post is surgically implanted into the patient’s jaw to serve as a dental implant. The majority of patients report less discomfort than with tooth extraction and are able to go back to work the following day. You may be given anaesthesia or sedative to help you relax.
- Your jawbone will grow back into place around the implant in a process called osseointegration. There is a wide range of time that this can take, from a few weeks to several months.
- After the dental implant has healed, a tiny connector called an abutment is placed on it, above gum line, to act as a stable anchor for the artificial tooth or denture.
- Crown attachment: Your replacement tooth will look or feel just like a tooth structure since it is based on an imprint taken by your dentist. The crown is then cemented onto the abutment. Your dentist can permanently attach your dentures to the abutment, or you can remove them at will.
Who is eligible for dental implants?
Multiple oral procedures are expensive and not feasible for everyone. This is why only the following patients will receive a recommendation from a cosmetic dentist:
1. A person with one or more missing teeth
Dental implants are artificial replacements for the tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone. A cosmetic dentist may advise a less invasive course of action for treating problematic teeth if the patient has one or more of these teeth that can be saved.
2. A person who is healthy enough to go through minor oral surgery
The jawbone needs to be seen in order for the dentist to instal a dental implant. Later, a tiny hole is drilled into the jawbone to accommodate the implant. The patient will need to heal once the dentist stitches the gums shut.
In a second oral operation, the abutment can be secured in place. Some patients may even require additional procedures such as a bone graft operation before they may have their implants.
Dental implants should only be done on those who are healthy enough to undergo the procedure without experiencing any difficulties. People with these disorders may need to consider alternatives to dental implants, such as bridges or dentures, to replace their missing teeth.
- Illnesses characterised by excessive bleeding
- Therapies that reduce blood thickness
- Immune system that is compromised or inhibited
- Causes of a sluggish recovery
3. A person who is in good oral health
Those who have had a lot of dental issues in the past are more likely to have implant failure. If a patient is in this situation, a cosmetic dentist would likely suggest an alternative treatment for tooth replacement. Similarly, the dentist would be hesitant to propose the procedure to a smoker.
4. A person who has enough bone to anchor an implant
A tooth’s normal position cannot be altered, save in the case of extreme trauma or illness. Because of this, a dental implant must be fixed in place. This means it must be fastened to a sturdy bone. The bone structure needed to anchor an implant is absent in someone with low bone mass or bone density. Patients who are otherwise healthy but have marginally less than average jaw bone mass may be candidates for bone transplant surgery recommended by a cosmetic dentist.
5. A person who is willing to invest their time and emotional energy in the process
A patient receiving teeth that are supported by implants will need to undergo multiple surgeries and spend considerable time recovering before they can start to enjoy their new smile. Therefore, the patient considering dental implants needs to be prepared to make an emotional and financial commitment.
They must be prepared to rest and recuperate for as long as it takes after each treatment. The patient’s willingness to comply with the cosmetic dentist’s aftercare guidelines is of paramount importance.
In addition, you should think about the following:
Sufficient jawbone – To ensure a successful dental implant procedure, sufficient quantities of healthy bone must be present in the jaw. One of the most common causes of implant failure is inadequate osseointegration
Before surgery, a bone graft may be performed if there is insufficient bone. After losing a tooth, the jawbone begins to deteriorate, thus it’s crucial to have a replacement as soon as possible.
No gum disease – In Southampton, gum disease is universally acknowledged as the leading cause of dental decay. Furthermore, it can be a major risk to dental work and is frequently the root of implant failure.
As a result, dental implant surgery is out of the question for a man with gum disease unless his gum disease is successfully treated first.
Good overall health – Your dentist & oral surgeon will have more faith in your ability to handle the procedure and any potential consequences if you are in good physical health.
You may not qualify if you have a serious medical condition that requires ongoing medical attention, such as mellitus or leukaemia, or if you have had radiation therapy to your face, mouth, or throat. Since tobacco is known to slow the healing process, it is possible that smokers will be urged to refrain from doing so for a period of time preceding surgery and throughout the recovery period.
Who Cannot Have Dental Implants?
Patients who aren’t good candidates for implants are quite uncommon. The healing process following dental implant placement is highly predictable, and it involves the body grafting onto the implant’s exterior and fusing with it.
The healing process entails the granulation tissue over the prostheses mending as well, but this is a typical and predictable occurrence. Anyone who does not fit this description cannot get implants because the healing procedure described above would not occur.
Individuals receiving treatment with a bisphosphonate, such as alendronic acid, would primarily fall into this category.
High doses of the drug impair the body’s natural bone healing processes, including the recovery from tooth extraction and dental implant surgery. As a result, we strongly suggest that anyone using intravenous bisphosphonates not get dental implants. Patients who’ve been informed they do not have enough bone to support dental implants frequently visit our office. We would argue, however, that this is virtually never the case since the patient has either not been evaluated by the most qualified doctor or has not received the most suitable evaluation performed.
In order to determine the precise amount of bone available for implants, we frequently employ a Stereotactic CT scanner. We also have a wide variety of options for encouraging bone to develop in a predictable pattern around the implants. Since this is the case, it is uncommon for us to encounter a patient who is unable to get implants. So far, however, doctors have not encountered a patient who suffers from one of the really unusual bone conditions that would render implants impossible.
Another scenario in which bone regeneration would be impeded is if the patient underwent chemotherapy to the head, neck, or throat at some point in the past. Radiation therapy used to eliminate the prior tumour may have damaged the bone marrow in that place, preventing it from properly mending. The placement of dental implants would be too dangerous or impossible to attempt at this time.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and the most common reason is a difficulty getting to the most challenging portions of the mouth, typically located near the front of the mouth. Because of this, we are unable to reliably insert implants in some patients whose mouths do not open wide enough for our sensitive equipment to enter.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
Implants are not currently included in the majority of dental insurance plans. However, depending on your insurance policy and the reason for tooth loss, you may be able to get it covered. Your dental and insurance co should ask you a lot of questions regarding your specific situation and needs.
Conclusion
Replacement of lost teeth by dental implants is gaining popularity. They can be done in a single appointment and, in contrast to dentures or bridges, they look perfectly natural. To ensure the implant post stays in place, adequate bone density must be present. In addition to a suitable position in the mouth, other variables to think about include enough space for the tooth. A dental implant is a replacement for a lost tooth that can also improve the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.
When compared to removable dentures, implants look and feel more natural because they integrate with the jawbone. They look and feel just like real teeth, letting you eat anything you want without worry. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to restore missing teeth. Patients typically experience less pain than they would after having a tooth extracted and are able to return to work the following day. Before implants may be placed in some patients, they must first undergo additional treatments like a bone transplant operation.
A dental implant is more likely to be placed in a patient with good oral health. In addition to having adequate bone to secure an implant, the patient will need to be prepared for many procedures and a lengthy recovery period before they can show off their beautiful new teeth. They should be ready to take as much downtime as necessary between treatments. Complete physical and mental wellbeing – If you’re in good shape, your dentist will have more faith in your ability to handle the procedure and any possible complications. Those with chronic conditions like diabetes or leukaemia may be disqualified.
Most standard dental policies do not cover the cost of dental implants at this time. However, you might be able to get it reimbursed by insurance if tooth loss was the result of an accident or other covered reason. Our delicate equipment cannot enter the mouths of certain patients because their jaws are not wide enough.
Content Summary
- Replacement of lost teeth by dental implants is gaining popularity.
- Who qualifies for dental implants, the process itself, and what else to think about before visiting the dentist are all topics I’ll cover in this post.
- The cost of dental implants could be prohibitive.
- Replacing lost teeth with dental implants is a great way to regain your self-esteem and confidence.
- Your implants, with proper maintenance, may last a lifetime.
- Stop by the dentist for a tailored treatment plan.
- Optimal health as a whole – If you’re in good shape, your dentist and oral surgeon will have more faith in your capacity to deal with the treatment and any complications that may arise.
- Because of this, we advise against getting dental implants for anyone who is currently on intravenous bisphosphonates.
- This means that it is unusual for us to see a patient who is unable to acquire implants.
- Unfortunately, doctors haven’t seen a patient with one of the truly rare bone abnormalities that would make implants difficult.
- This is not a good time to try to have dental implants because of the potential risks involved.
- However, you might be able to get it reimbursed by insurance if tooth loss was the result of an accident or other covered reason.
FAQs About Dental Implant
Is it painful to remove a dental implant?
Removing the implant is not a complicated procedure. Discomfort and pain is the biggest implant removal complication. You might also experience jawbone microcracks and bone loss. During removal, the dentist determines the best method that does not cause much damage.
What happens when a tooth implant is removed?
Once the implant is removed, the area is cleaned. The oral surgeon will then examine the area to see if bone grafting is required to replace lost bone tissue. It is necessary to restore the area in preparation for a replacement.
What is the downside of dental implants?
The most common disadvantage of getting a dental implant is that it is a costly procedure and may not always be covered by insurance providers. Additional potential disadvantages of dental implants include: Pain, swelling, and bleeding due to surgery. Anesthesia complications like nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness.
What can you not do after dental implant surgery?
For the first 24 hours after dental implants, be sure to avoid overly hot or cold food and drinks and avoid drinking from a straw. Most importantly, only eat soft foods for the first 24 hours after having the dental implants procedure.
What is the failure rate of dental implants?
Studies have shown that somewhere between 5% and 10% of dental implants fail. On the other hand, that means that there is between a 90% and 95% success rate, which are very good odds in terms of dental and medical procedures.
