What Factors Decide Who Can Receive Implants?

Have you lost one or more of your permanent teeth? Are you interested in replacing them with lifelike and long lasting dental implants? What factors will decide who can receive implants? This is a valid question, as unfortunately not everyone is a viable candidate for receiving a new tooth. However, there are often steps that a patient can take to improve their candidacy and obtain a whole smile again with these natural looking prosthetics.

Implant Placement: An Overview

First, an oral surgeon will place the implant post into the jawbone. The post is made from biocompatible titanium and will bond with the jawbone tissue. Once the area heals, the doctor can then place an abutment that holds the restoration in place. The restoration is typically a dental crown, used for its strength and lifelike qualities. However, we can also place multiple posts to secure a full prosthetic or a dental bridge. Once in place, the new tooth can last a lifetime with proper care and attention.

Jawbone Density

Before we place the implant the doctor will carefully examine your smile. The dentist needs to assess your jawbone tissue. When we lose teeth, the jawbone can dissolve because the body will suspend the flow of calcium and phosphorus once it registers the loss of a tooth root. If you don’t have enough jawbone tissue to properly support the new tooth, then we may recommend a bone grafting procedure before you can receive the dental implant.

Once you have the new tooth placed, the body will recognize the post as a natural tooth root and resume the flow of nutrients, stimulating jawbone growth and preserving your facial structure.

Presence of Periodontitis

Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can lead to the loss of permanent teeth, as well as the failure of a dental implant. We will need to address this before you can receive a new tooth.