DENTAL IMPLANTS

Am I a candidate for dental implants?  There are many factors that play a role to determine it a patient can have dental implants.

The first concern is bone height and width.  In order for a dentist to place an implant it must determined if there is sufficient bone.  There are numerous sizes and shapes of implants.  In some cases, smaller diameter and length of implants can be used if the bone is thin or shallow.  In patients who have had teeth missing for many years the bone has shrunk or atrophied to the point where an implant would not work.  In these cases it is sometimes possible to place a bone graft.  This is usually placed over the jaw in an attempt to increase the height and width in order to now place an implant.

Secondly, a patient’s health may be a determining factor when placing implants.  Some severely brittle diabetics or heavy smokers, it may not be an option due to poor healing abilities.

Certain medications may also inhibit ones chances of receiving implants.  i.e. blood thinners, osteoporosis drugs are a few examples.

If a person is interested in having implants the best advice is to contact their dentist and consult with him or her.  Also, obtain more than one opinion.