August is Dental Implant Month, as declared by the AAID. The goal is to educate and inspire those who may benefit from dental implants to overcome fears and seek treatment from qualified dentists. Learn about candidacy, benefits, and the impact of an implant dentist. In this article, we’ll discuss dental implant candidacy.
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
To be considered a candidate for dental implants, there are three primary requirements:
- Missing one or more teeth or requiring removal due to terminal dentition.
- An adult whose jaw has stopped growing.
- Healthy enough for surgery.
However, there are other concerns that may require additional treatment, such as gum disease, lack of bone in the implant area, or insufficient space for the implant or restoration.
Gum disease must be treated before the implant is placed. In cases where there isn’t enough bone for the implant, a bone graft may be necessary. If there isn’t enough space, orthodontics may be recommended.
Some medical conditions may reduce the success rate of the implant placement below the typical 95%, such as smoking, diabetes, osteoporosis, medications for osteoporosis or depression, and past cancer treatment.
If you smoke, you will need to quit for the procedure and the immediate recovery period. Diabetes and osteoporosis may not be as significant of a barrier to dental implant placement as previously thought, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks. Bisphosphonates medication can put you at risk for drug-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (DRONJ). Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also increase the risk of dental implant failure.
If you have had radiation treatment for oral or throat cancer recently, dental implant treatment may need to be postponed to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis.
Have You Been Denied as a Dental Implant Candidate? Seek Another Opinion!
Thanks to advancements in technology and techniques, more people can now receive dental implants than ever before, even if they were previously told they weren’t suitable. If a dentist has turned you down as a candidate for dental implants, don’t give up hope. We encourage you to seek a second opinion, as you may still be eligible.
To determine your candidacy for dental implants in Columbus, OH, we recommend scheduling an evaluation with an implant dentist. To book an appointment with Dr. Mike Firouzian, please call (614) 848-5001 today.
