Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Among the many benefits of dental implants is that almost every adult is a candidate for this high-quality tooth replacement option. If you have lost a tooth, then you can probably enjoy the benefits of dental implants, which look and function like natural teeth. However, there are a number of factors that can influence your procedure and your success rate.

The only way to be sure that you’re a candidate is to call (912) 234-8282 or email us to schedule a consultation with a Savannah implant dentist at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry. The following questions can help you understand how various factors will influence the process of getting dental implants and your odds of success.

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Is there anyone who is not a candidate for dental implants?

Children. If your jaw is still growing, dental implants are not recommended.

Does it matter how many teeth I’ve lost?

No. You can get dental implants if you have lost just one tooth or if you’ve lost all your teeth you can use dental implants to support dentures.

Can you be too old for dental implants?

No. As long as you are in good general and oral health for the procedure, you can get dental implants.

How will I know if my general health is good enough for dental implant surgery?

Talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you if there are any health concerns for you related to your surgery.

How will I know if my oral health is good enough for dental implant surgery?

We will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health to determine whether you can get dental implants. Our first concern is whether you have gum disease, which can infect the dental implants, causing them to fail. If you have gum disease, this will have to be treated before your dental implant procedure.

We will also evaluate the level of bone at the site or sites where we will place dental implants. If you do not have adequate bone, we may recommend a bone graft be performed before your dental implants are placed. Other times, a bone graft can be performed at the time your dental implants are placed. If you have less bone, sometimes a procedure similar to All-on-4 could be used to replace a full arch of teeth without need for a graft.

Will my lifestyle affect my dental implants?

Anything that affects your risk of tooth loss will affect your risk of dental implant complications. For example, smokers are two or three times more likely to lose teeth. Their risk of losing dental implants is also two or three times greater. If you want to give yourself the greatest chance of dental implant success, then you should quit smoking.

Will my medications affect my dental implants?

Some medications may affect your dental implants. There is some evidence that a type of osteoporosis medication may lead to a serious complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw related to dental implants. This is most likely with IV bisphosphonates, or if you’ve been taking bisphosphonates for a long time.

A certain type of antidepressant called an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) has been associated with an increased risk of dental implant failure.

Some antibiotics and pain relievers may also represent a risk. We will evaluate your medications and determine which ones might represent risks. Give us a full list of your medications, including prescription and nonprescription medications as well as vitamins and supplements you take regularly.

Can I get all my teeth in a day?

Although Teeth in a Day is a specific approach that we don’t offer, we can often replace your teeth on the same day as your dental implants are placed, possibly even the same day as your teeth are extracted. It depends on the amount and quality of bone at the implant site. We can try to predict the results of your implant procedure, but we can’t know for sure about placing your teeth on the same day until we actually perform the procedure and check the stability of the implant.

What do I have to do to ensure success of my implants?

To get the best odds of success for your dental implants, you should commit to making all follow-up visits and following proper maintenance for your dental implants. Proper maintenance includes brushing, flossing, and having regular checkups with your implant dentist or general dentist.

Still wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants? Please call (912) 234-8282 or email us for an appointment with a Savannah implant dentist at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry.