Can Everyone Have a Dental Implant?

Unlike four decades ago, today, people do not have to worry about having a damaged or missing tooth. They now have several options that can help them deal with this issue. Dentures and bridges used to be the only viable treatment options for many years, but dental implants have grown popular and they are arguably the most preferred option.

But can everyone have a dental implant?

Well, this article seeks to answer this question and help you understand everything you need to know about dental implants.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental Implant is a titanium screw that is fused with the jawbone as a way to replace a missing or decayed tooth. They function like a natural tooth and they provide a very natural appearance such that people won’t recognize that it’s an artificial tooth. For dental implants to last longer, they have to be given the same care you give your natural teeth.

Dental implants have a high success rate (between 90% and 95%), but they are some instances where they can fail soon after the procedure or months or years later. There are several factors that can affect the success of dental.

There are two main types of dental implants: Endosteal and Subperiosteal.

Endosteal: is the most commonly used type that requires dental implants to be placed in the jawbone. This type is usually made of titanium and it is shaped like a small screw.

Subperiosteal: This type of dental implant is placed under the gum but above the jawbone. It is normally used on patients who do not have an adequate healthy natural jawbone or those patients who do want to undergo a procedure that rebuilds the bone.

Just like any other surgery, dental implant surgery has potential side effects. Although these risks are minor and rare —it’s vital to acknowledge that they are there. These risks include:

• Infection on the implant location
• The areas (blood vessels) surrounding the implant can get injured or damaged.
• The damage can sometimes cause pain or numbness.
• Sinus problems. This problem occurs when dental implants protrude into one of the sinus cavities.

It’s important to note that dental implant surgery is a team effort between you, your dentist and your periodontist. Any decision that is to be made, your dentist and periodontist will first have to consult with you first. This is usually done so as to customize the treatment plan according to your individual needs.

Who should have a Dental Implant?

Your dentist and periodontist will determine if you are an ideal candidate for a dental implant. The criteria used to choose a suitable candidate varies from one clinic to the other. Generally speaking, the criteria may look like this:

Gum disease—if you have gum disease, your dentist will not allow you to have a dental implant. This is so because gum infection could develop around the implant and damage the jawbone which is used to support the implant.

Smoking—just as it is with other surgeries, if you are to have a dental implant procedure, you will have to avoid smoking for a number of months. Smoking restricts blood flow to the gum, and it can lengthen the recovery period after the procedure. A number of studies have proved that smoking can increase the failure of dental implants up to 20%.

Insufficient jaw bone —it’s a waste of time and money to perform a dental implant procedure on a patient who has an insufficient bone to support the artificial tooth. A jaw bone can deteriorate in the mouth due to severe gum disease.

Medical Conditions —A successful dental implant procedure is also dependent on the medical condition of the patient. Besides the gum disease, there are some medical conditions — autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes — that can negatively impact the success of the procedure. It’s also important to tell your dentist if you are currently taking any medications.

Where can I find the best clinic for Dental Implants?

When considering having a dental implant procedure, you have to search for a clinic that has hi-tech devices, and an aseptic and hygienic environment so as to get the desired results. If you are in Turkey or you can manage to come to Turkey, you should have your dental implant surgery at Dentavivo.

Besides being a world-class facility, the Dentavivo Clinic has internationally recognized staff that is renowned within and outside the Turkish borders. The staff includes dentists and dental professors who have been performing successful oral and dental health surgeries for decades.