Are dental implants right for me? That’s a very common question, now that dental implant procedures are becoming more and more popular. The short answer is – probably.
Dental implants – the basics
Did you know that primitive versions of dental implants have been around since about 2000 BC? At the time, ancient Chinese practitioners used bamboo pegs to replace lost teeth. Modern style dental implants go back to 1969. Understanding a little about the process helps to understand what can affect whether or not dental implants are right for you.
• Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements.
• They begin with an artificial root made of metal (usually titanium) is inserted into the jawbone.
• One or more teeth can be replaced with a crown, bridge, or dentures, which are attached to the artificial root.
What makes a good candidate for dental implants?
The first fact to bear in mind is that dental implants have a success rate of up to 98 percent. That’s pretty impressive, and it says a lot about how far dentistry has come from its early days. It’s more common for the procedure to become more complicated than it is for it to be impossible to achieve.
There are some specific issues that can create those complications:
• The location of the implant in the jaw, and the health of the gums and bone around that area – there must be enough bone to hold the metal implant, and infection from gum disease can spread to the implant area, causing it to fail;
• Chronic disorders such as diabetes and heart disease may cause complications, as they affect the body’s ability to heal and fight infection;
• Heavy smokers should strongly consider quitting or drastically cutting down as it affects oral health overall, and inhibits healing;
• Patients who have received radiation therapy to the head or neck;
• People with uncontrolled bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, since the action undermines the stability of the root;
• Children under the age of 18 are generally not considered good candidates because their bones have not finished growing.
In simple cases, the procedure can be done in one day. In complex cases, there are steps between the initial artificial root implant and the tooth prosthesis that can encourage bone growth for stability.
Looking for advice on any aspect of your dental or oral health? You’ll find the answer at Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry in Brampton, ON.
If you’re looking for a well-regarded and highly skilled dentist in the Brampton area, make an appointment with Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry by calling (905)-791-3867. Visit our website to learn more about our dental services.
