Who Is A Suitable Candidate For Dental Implant Placement?

Some of the factors affecting who can have this tooth replacement treatment.

It is generally now accepted, amongst the dental profession and general public, that implants are perhaps the best method for replacing a missing tooth.

They are strong, long lasting, and, unlike other methods, they also help prevent bone loss in the jaw by replacing the root of a tooth with a titanium implant.

Implants may not be the cheapest option when it comes to replacing teeth, but their longevity and natural look and feel make them good value for money, particularly over the long term. The payments plans at our Bedford dental practice will also help our patients to spread any costs involved.

Can anyone have dental implants?

In theory, most adults can have implants placed, but there are a number of factors which can affect the outcome of this procedure, and, although the risk is small, the possibility of failure must be taken into account.

Below, we list some situations where dental implant placement may not be the best choice available.

Too young

Implants can only be placed when facial features are fully developed. This means that they are not suitable for children. Those in their late teenage years may be suitable, but a thorough examination at The Dental Centre Bedford will be needed to determine this.

Smokers

If you have dental implants placed, you will need to stop smoking for a period both before and after the procedure. This is because smoking increases the risk of infections including periodontitis, and, following the procedure, peri-implantitis. Both of these can cause the implant to fail. Even if you are able to stop smoking during the treatment period, if you continue to smoke afterwards, the risks are still significant, so you may want to discuss with your dentist if this is the best option available for you.

Bone loss

If a tooth has been missing for some time, the bone in the jaw will have degraded. Because healthy bone structure is necessary to place an implant, this creates an issue. All is not lost though and if you are prepared to undergo an additional procedure, a bone graft can usually be performed which will provide the necessary bone to allow the implant to be placed.

Diabetics

Like smokers, diabetics are at an increased risk of infections such as gum disease. This does not mean that they can’t have implants, but it does mean that they will need to be particularly diligent in looking after them, with good home cleaning and regular dental hygiene visits. If you are happy to manage an enhanced personal oral care regimen, then implants should not pose a problem.

Although the above categories of patients may need to wait or adjust their lifestyles a little, the reality is that the vast majority of people are able to have dental implants placed with great success. Here at The Dental Centre Bedford we have placed many implants successfully for numerous happy patients who find renewed confidence with their replacement teeth.

If you would like to find out if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, or simply to find out more information about them, please call our friendly Bedford dentists on 01234 819868.