Prerequisites for Getting Dental Implants

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, more than 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants are a common treatment method and are becoming increasingly popular. Implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth and help to restore the functionality needed for proper biting, chewing, and even speaking. A potential recipient must be a good candidate for the procedure.

Requirements for getting implant surgery

There are several requirements that a patient must meet before qualifying for implant surgery.

The patient must be in good overall health

Being in good overall health is important to ensure that the implants will fuse to the jawbone correctly. Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes or who are undergoing cancer treatment are not good candidates for oral surgery, for example. People who smoke or drink in excess are also poor candidates for the treatment. When undergoing consultation for the process, it is important to be honest and upfront about any medical conditions, as well as to provide a full list of current medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

The patient must have enough healthy gum tissue

For dental implants to heal and work properly, the patient must have enough healthy gum tissue. Smoking, excessive drinking, or poor oral hygiene lead to gum disease in some patients. Without enough healthy gum tissue, the titanium rods and abutments necessary to hold the false teeth in place will not heal properly. There will be a thorough oral examination during the consultation to ensure that the patient has enough healthy gum tissue to have the procedure.

The patient must have enough healthy jawbone

Because the titanium rods that hold the implants in place go into the jawbone, it is important that the patient have enough healthy jawbone to support it. During the consultation, the patient will undergo a thorough examination that includes X-rays and a CT scan. This will help to determine whether there is enough healthy jawbone. If there is not enough to support the implant, then the patient may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure or choose an alternative treatment option.

What to expect during the implant procedure

The implant procedure requires multiple steps that span several appointments. After the consultation, the first major step of the procedure is to have the implant portion placed into the jawbone. The screw- or cylinder-like material requires up to six months to heal and bond together with the jawbone. Some patients wear temporary dentures over the implant site during the healing process.

After the implant bonds to the jawbone, the abutment piece is placed. This is what holds the teeth in place. Sometimes, this cap will need a few weeks to heal, but other times, the tooth or teeth can be placed right away as well. The final stage is the placement of the false teeth, which are called crowns. Once installed, the patient will be able to chew and speak more properly.