Who Can Get Dental Implants?

A tooth gap is one of the factors that hinder people from having that perfect Hollywood smile that they desire. Also, it limits one’s oral functions. Today there are many tooth restoration procedures available, and dental implants are one of them. In fact, it is the best and the most effective tooth replacement option today because it has the highest long-term success rates and it is very effective. However, first, one has to know if they are eligible for dental implants or not. Vita Dental Springs has more light on how to know if you are an eligible candidate for dental implants or not.

You must have attained the right age

There are age restrictions for people who can get dental implants. For gents, the minimum age is 17 years. For ladies, the minimum age requirement is 15 years. These are the times that a person’s jawbone structure gets to mature completely. The two-year difference between boys and girls is because the bone structures for ladies take a shorter time to mature compared to men.

If you have a playful little kid who lost their teeth accidentally while playing, you have to consider other tooth replacement options until they get to the right age before they can get permanent dental implants. If your bone structure has fully matured, then there are no upper age restrictions. If you are 20 or 50 or 60, or any other age you can get a dental implant.

Good Oral Health and Overall body health

Dental implant surgeries are considered to be major surgeries. As such, health is one of the factors primarily considered before one is given the green light to undergo the procedure. A basic dental implant procedure usually involves drilling a hole in the jawbone and inserting the titanium post there. This means that one has to be of good oral and overall body health for the osseointegration and healing process to be successful.

People who have gum disease and other oral infections may not be able to undergo such a procedure. They first have to undergo treatment for their disease before getting a dental implant. The same applies to people who have other body ailments. It is important that you consider getting treatment for your disease first before you get the implant. It is always advisable to consult your dental implant specialist to know whether you are an eligible candidate or not.

Adequate bone structure

Dental implants are made possible if there is adequate bone structure to support the implant. Persons who have insufficient bone structure may not be able to get a dental implant unless they opt for advanced procedures to enhance their jawbone mass. One of the common procedures performed is bone grafting.

Commitment to maintaining good oral health

Getting the dental implant is just the beginning. While the implant gets you back your lost tooth, undergoing the procedure means that you are signing up for a lifetime commitments to maintaining the highest possible standards of oral hygiene. This is aimed at protecting the implanted tooth and ensuring that you are of good overall oral health. You must be willing to brush and floss daily and go for regular visits to your dentist for check-up and follow-up.

People who may not qualify as candidates for dental implants

• Heavy smokers

People who smoke are not good candidates for dental implants. This also extends to people who consume other tobacco products. Tobacco is composed of substances that inhibit the osseointegration process. This means that the implant will not be integrated into the bone structure and prevents the gums from healing properly. Getting a dental implant may bring more problems rather than being a solution to replacing your missing tooth.

• Alcohol and substance abusers

If you are an alcohol or substance abuser, you may not be a qualifying candidate unless you are willing to follow the instructions of your dentist. Alcohol and substance abuse often lead to the deterioration of one’s health. Getting a dental implant means that you will have to reduce or stop your consumption of these substances and even let go of some if at all the implant is to be successful.

• People with a history of high radiation treatment

If you have undergone a high radiation treatment from the neck up, then you cannot get a dental implant.

• Persons with chronic diseases

If you have uncontrollable diabetes, connective-tissue diseases, hemophilia or significant immune deficiencies, you have to consult your dentist first as undergoing the procedure is dependent on the severity of the condition.

• People on certain medicines

If you are on certain medicines like steroids, you may not be able to undergo the dental implant procedure.

• If you have severe teeth clenching

Severe teeth clenching usually puts a lot of pressure on the implant thus increasing that chances of the procedure failing.

While dental implants have many advantages, not everyone may be able to get it. To know your eligibility status, consult with your family dentist care near you.