Who can Receive Dental Implants
Dental implants are best suited for patients with suitable implant site anatomy, good overall health, a commitment to long-term oral care, and clear communication and expectations with their implant dentist.
Suitable Anatomy at the Implant Site
Bone, soft tissue, biting pattern, and location of anatomical structures play key roles in implant suitability.
Sufficient bone volume, height and density is crucial for surgical success, as implant is held within in the bone. Moderately insufficient bone volume can be augmented by bone graft procedures. Softer bone density can be managed with bone densification techniques during implant placement surgeries.
Healthy surrounding soft tissue is vital for long term dental implant success. The gums create a seal around the implant, blocking bacteria and food particles to enter the implant-bone interface to prevent infection. Additionally, the buccal vestibule helps with saliva flow, reducing food deposits and calculus buildup, which supports implant function and longevity.
Biting patterns greatly influence the long-term success of dental implants. Implants are designed to withstand forces applied along their long axis. However, in patients with frequent lateral biting patterns (such as clenching habits) are at risk for implant crown loosening or fractures. Additionally, teeth work together rather than as isolated units: anterior teeth are designed for cutting and guiding jaw movement, while posterior teeth are crucial for chewing and withstanding strong biting force. Without sufficient posterior support, anterior implants are at a higher risk of failure.
Implant surgery involves drilling into the bone to place the implant fixture, necessitating that the area is clear of critical anatomical structures. In the upper jaw, a sinus lift may be required if the maxillary sinus is too close to the implant site, particularly in the premolar and molar regions. In the lower jaw, if the inferior alveolar nerve is near the implant site, a shorter implant could be used, or bone augmentation may be needed to avoid nerve damage.
Overall Good Health
Overall health is critical for implant healing and long term success
To ensure successful integration of a dental implant with surrounding bone and maintain its function, patients must be in good overall health to promote healing. Ideal candidates should be free from or have well-managed chronic health conditions:
Diabetes need to be well controlled since high blood sugar level can hinder the healing process.
Cardiovascular diseases need to be well controlled as stress from surgery and pain can exacerbate cardiovascular symptoms.
Osteoporosis medications, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may impair bone healing and make implant treatment unsuitable.
Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and recreational substance use can adversely affect implant healing and long-term success.
