Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Did you know that dental implants—artificial, long-term replacements that look and feel like your natural teeth—are often the best option for replacing missing teeth? Most people who are missing a tooth would be a good candidate for dental implants, regardless of age.1 But there are some exceptions.
Here are some issues that you and your dentist may need to discuss:
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Is there enough bone present to which the implant can adhere? In some cases, bone will be grafted to ensure good adherence of the implant.1
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Do you have diabetes? Uncontrolled blood glucose can lead to problems with healing and increased risk for infection after dental implant surgery.2
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Are you a smoker? Smokers don’t always do as well with the procedure. This is partly because smoking causes decreased circulation, which leads to problems with healing after surgery and a higher risk for infection.3
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Do you have gum disease? Periodontal (gum) disease may need to be addressed before implants are considered.4 Your dentist might refer you to a periodontist.5
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Are you on any medications? Some medications can affect surgery and healing. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken before surgery can lead to increased bleeding during the procedure.6
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Talk with your doctor and dentist to find out whether dental implants are right for you. Together you can create a treatment plan to keep you healthy and smiling.
1 “Dental Implants.” American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. www.aaoms.org/dental_implants.php Accessed 2008.
2 “More on the Mouth.” American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/diabetes-and-more-about-oral-health-and-oral-hygiene.jsp Accessed 2008.
3 “Tobacco as a Risk Factor for Survival of Dental Implants.” Arturo Sanchez-Perez et al. Journal of Periodontology. 2007, vol. 78, no. 2, pp. 351–59.
4 “Dental Implants.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/implants.asp Accessed 2008.
5 “Treating Periodontal Diseases.” American Dental Association, January 2005. www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_46.pdf Accessed 2008.
6 “The Effect of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Bleeding During Periodontal Surgery.” Annabel Braganza et al. Journal of Periodontology. July 2005, vol. 76, no. 7, pp. 1154–60.