Should I Get a Dental Implant?

If you’re dealing with missing teeth or have struggled with dentures or dental bridges, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. They are a reliable tooth replacement option, offering a stable foundation for artificial teeth that feel and function like natural teeth. However, candidacy for implants can vary depending on individual health factors.

A consultation with our experienced dental professionals at FoX Implant Centre is the best way to determine if dental implants are suitable for you. Our team can evaluate your oral health, discuss your specific needs, and create a personalised treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you’re considering dental implants, reach out and book an appointment with us. Our experts are here to assess your suitability and help you decide if this is the right option for you.

Young dentist working at clinic.

What are Dental Implants?

Knowing what dental implants are and how the procedure works can help you decide if this treatment is the right choice for your needs.

In essence, dental implants are artificial tooth roots typically made of titanium, surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or dental crown. They act as sturdy anchors, mimicking the function of natural tooth roots. The implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a firm foundation for an artificial tooth.

Implant surgery is typically done in stages. First, the damaged tooth (if present) is extracted, followed by the implant placement. After the healing process, the abutment is attached, which serves as the connector between the implant and the dental crown.

As you may have surmised, this is an extensive surgical procedure. That’s why, while this is a great option for replacing missing teeth, this is not for everyone.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer several significant benefits compared to other tooth replacement options. These include:

  • Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. They blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, providing a comfortable and natural appearance.
  • Stability and Durability: Unlike dentures, implants are firmly anchored in your jawbone, giving them stability. This can enhance your ability to chew and speak without discomfort.
  • Preservation of Jawbone and Surrounding Teeth: Dental implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw and do not require altering the surrounding healthy teeth like dental bridges might.
  • Improved Quality of Life: Implants can significantly improve your quality of life by restoring the ability to eat your favourite foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently.

Factors Considered for Implant Candidacy

Certain factors are crucial in determining whether someone is a good candidate for dental implants. Below, we’ll explore key aspects that play a role in the decision-making process.

1

Bone Density

For implants to be stable, there must be enough bone in your jaw to support them.

Implants work by fusing with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, where the bone cells grow and bond with the surface of the implant. This creates a strong foundation to ensure stability and proper function of the new teeth.

If the bone density is low, the implant may not have enough support to stay in place during and after healing. This increases the risk of implant loosening or failure. Denser bone provides better anchorage, allowing the implant to remain secure and functional over time. Without addressing bone density, the risk of complications, such as the implant shifting or not integrating properly, rises significantly.

2

Gum Health

Gums provide a protective seal around the implants. That’s why healthy gums are essential for the success of dental implants.

If your gums are infected or inflamed due to periodontal disease, it can compromise the integrity of the implant. Gum disease weakens the bone and tissue around the teeth, leading to bone loss, which reduces the stability needed to hold the implant securely.

Infected or unhealthy gums may also spread bacteria around the implant site, increasing the risk of dental implant failure or a condition called peri-implantitis, where inflammation develops around the implant. This can cause the implant to become loose or fail entirely if not treated.

Good oral health practices such as regular checkups, flossing, and proper dental care are essential to maintaining gum health before and after the implant procedure.

3

Overall Health

Your overall health is also an important consideration for dental implant procedures. Being in good health generally ensures a smoother recovery and minimises the risk of complications.

Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders, may interfere with your body’s healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. That’s why it’s important to discuss your medical history with your oral surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

Habits like smoking can also hinder healing and osseointegration. At FoX Implant Centres, we strongly recommend individuals considering dental implants quit smoking at least one month before surgery and maintain abstinence for two months post-surgery to mitigate these risks.

4

Age

While dental implants can be performed at any age, there are some considerations.

In younger patients, the jawbone may still be growing. If their bone growth isn’t yet complete, placing an implant too early can lead to complications as the jaw continues to develop. This is why implants are usually recommended only for adults with fully developed jawbones.

As people age, bone density naturally decreases. Older patients may have less bone volume due to tooth loss, gum disease, or conditions like osteoporosis. This can affect the stability of the implant.

Healing times can also vary with age. Younger individuals typically heal faster, while older patients may experience slower recovery. This can impact the osseointegration process.

Dental implant surgery is safe and effective for most age groups, but a consultation with your dentist is essential to evaluate whether implants are the best option based on your specific situation.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Not everyone is a perfect candidate for dental implants, but many individuals can benefit from this treatment. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are experiencing tooth loss due to injury, tooth decay, or gum disease?
  • Have damaged teeth that need to be extracted and replaced.
  • Have enough healthy bone to support dental implant placement.
  • Do not have any uncontrolled health conditions that might affect healing.
  • Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
Dentist discussing over digital tablet with female patient in dental clinic

Who May Not Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?

There are some instances where dental implants may not be the best solution. You may not be a suitable candidate if you:

  • Have certain health conditions that prevent proper healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
  • Are unable to undergo sedation or anaesthesia due to medical complications.
  • Have insufficient bone and cannot undergo procedures like bone grafting to improve bone density.
  • Are allergic to titanium implants or other materials like zirconia as these are the common materials used in implants.
  • Are taking blood-thinning medications as this can reduce the blood’s ability to clot, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding.
A dentist and patient discussing dental x-rays

Additional Procedures to Improve Candidacy

For some individuals, additional procedures may be needed to prepare the mouth for successful implant placement.

Bone grafting is a common procedure used to build up bone in areas where bone loss has occurred. This helps create a more stable base for the implant.

Another procedure that may be necessary is a sinus lift. This is done when the upper jaw lacks enough bone height, especially near the sinuses, to support the implant. Tooth extraction might also be required if a damaged or decayed tooth needs to be removed before the implant process can begin.

 

Insurance Coverage and Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the number of implants, any additional procedures needed, and individual health factors. In Australia, dental implants are typically not fully covered by Medicare or private dental insurance, but there may be partial coverage for specific aspects of the surgical procedure.

At FoX Implant Centre, we accept various payment methods, including cash, checks, and credit cards. We also offer financing options like Total Lifestyle Credit (TLC), Humm dental financing, and Superfund to help you manage the cost of your dental treatment. You can discuss your financing options with our team during your initial consultation.

Tooth In Front Of Businessperson Calculating Bill

Are There Any Risks to Dental Implants?

While dental implants have a high success rate, like any surgical procedure, they carry some risks. Potential complications include:

1

Infection

Infection at the implant site can occur, particularly if oral hygiene is not maintained properly.

2

Gum Tissue Issues

Swelling or inflammation of gum tissue around the implant can arise if proper care is not taken.

3

Nerve Damage

Implant placement near nerves can lead to temporary or permanent numbness or pain.

4

Implant Failure

Failure to properly integrate with the bone, which can be due to insufficient bone, poor health, or smoking.

How We Determine Your Suitability for Implants

At FoX Implant Centre, we follow a thorough process to determine if dental implants are suitable for you. During your initial consultation, we review your medical history and conduct a pre-surgical assessment that includes X-rays and 3D scans. These tools allow us to evaluate bone density, gum health, and overall oral condition to ensure that implants are the best treatment option for you.

What sets FoX Implant Centre apart is that we are the only dental practice in Australia offering end-to-end full mouth restoration. Every stage of the dental implant procedure, from imaging to the final prosthesis fitting, is performed in-house. Even general anaesthesia, if needed, is administered on-site. This not only makes the process more convenient but also ensures that every stage of the process is designed for optimal results.

If you’re considering dental implants, book an appointment with us today. Our team of experienced dental professionals will assess your needs and help you determine whether implants are the right option for you.

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