Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing or failing teeth. Unlike conventional dentures or a dental bridge that only replace teeth above the gum, implants are secured in the jaw to replace the whole tooth, down to the root. This gives your replacement teeth extra stability, prevents deterioration of the jaw, and means you can keep enjoying your favourite foods.
However, dental implants may not be the best choice for everyone. During your consultation, your dentist will let you know whether you’re a candidate for implants and will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about what’s right for you. Read more below or book a consultation with our Brisbane dentists today.
Oral health assessment
To be suitable for implants, you should have good oral health and be free from problems such as tooth decay and gum disease that increase the risk of implants failing. It’s also important that your jawbone has enough density to support the type of implants being used.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and take x-rays and a CT scan to assess your jaw health. They will also ask about any relevant medical history or lifestyle factors that could affect your suitability for implants or increase your risk of complications.
If you are a candidate for dental implants, your dentist will explain more about what the procedure involves and work with you to develop your personal treatment plan.
Reasons you may not be a candidate for implants
Some issues that could affect your suitability for dental implants include:
- You have poor oral health, particularly gum disease
- Your jaw is too small or weak to support an implant, though options may be available
- You have certain medical conditions or treatments that affect bone healing or increase your risk of complications
- You smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use drugs
- You prefer to avoid minor surgery
Even if you have some of these risk factors, your dentist could discuss solutions to make implants a possibility.
Managing your risks
Depending on your individual situation, some ways to lower your risks could include:
- Bone grafting or sinus augmentation to build up the lower or upper jaw
- Gum grafting to restore or augment gum tissue
- Using certain types of implants that require less support from the jaw, such as full arch implants
- Preserving bone in the socket when extracting teeth
- Quitting smoking and other bad habits
- Committing to follow good oral hygiene and a healthy diet
Alternatives to dental implants
If you find out that you’re not eligible for implants, or you want to know your other options, your dentist can discuss other ways to replace missing teeth, including dental bridges and dentures. You may choose not to replace a tooth, but this can lead to long-term problems.
Book a consultation for dental implants in Brisbane
Whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, our dentists at Swish Dental will help you explore your options for restoring your smile. Call our team in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton dentists on (07) 3354 3341. You can also book online.