Are Dental Implants Right for You? Everything You Need to Consider

27/06/2024

Are Dental Implants Right for You? Everything You Need to Consider

Dental implants are a life-enhancing treatment that fully restores the look and function of missing or failing teeth. When replacing single teeth, implants can support dental crowns or multiple implants can replace several teeth. 

The procedure is the gold standard of restorative dentistry, offering near-natural support for your smile— a firm foundation built to last. 

When we place implants, we need to ensure it’s the right choice for you. We conduct a thorough consultation and assessment to ensure you invest in the best treatment for your needs and situation.

Let’s discuss what you’ll need to consider when getting dental implants.

You Have Missing or Failing Teeth

Dental implants are titanium supports for your smile. They are fixed directly into your jaw, fusing with the bone to act like replacement tooth roots. A single implant will support a lifelike crown, or we can use four to six strategically placed implants to hold an entire arch of teeth in position. 

Implants are perfect if you’ve already lost one or more teeth or have failing teeth needing extraction. Once in position, you can bite and chew as you used to. 

You Have a Healthy Jaw

Your dental implants need a solid base with which to fuse. They connect with your bone through osseointegration. But if there’s insufficient bone mass supporting the implant, your treatment will fail. 

When you lose teeth, the supporting bone will gradually start to deteriorate. A process called resorption will occur, and the minerals that once made up your jaw will break down and get taken away in your bloodstream. 

We’ll take X-rays to assess your jaw health. We may recommend a bone graft treatment before implant placement if you lack sufficient bone. This type of treatment rebuilds missing bone so your jaw is strong enough to take the force created when chewing or biting with dental implants. 

You have Healthy Gums

Gum health is an important factor we look at when determining the suitability of dental implants. Active gum disease increases the potential for infection during the healing process and beyond. 

Improved oral hygiene and lifestyle changes can treat mild gum disease, while more advanced periodontal disease requires treatment.

You Do Not Have Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth uncontrollably. It may occur while you’re awake, but it commonly occurs while you’re asleep. 

The pressure bruxism applies on your teeth causes uneven wear and cracks. But the strain also impacts your jaw health. As a result, bruxism can increase the risk of your implant failing. 

You Are Otherwise Healthy

It can take several months to heal after dental implant placement as the bone needs to fuse with the titanium. Early in your recovery, you’ll need to manage discomfort and adapt your diet. Although this period is relatively short, it’s essential to understand how this might affect you. 

Some health-related factors we need to consider include: 

• If you have a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disease
• If you have unmanaged diabetes
• If you have osteoporosis
• If you’re receiving treatments of radiotherapy 
• If you drink heavily

You Are a Non-Smoker

Smoking can dry out your mouth and increase the risk of gum disease. If you’re a smoker, it can affect your ability to heal and lead to infection. 

Before considering whether dental implants are for you, we will discuss how much you smoke and whether you’re committed to quitting and assess whether smoking has impacted your gum and jaw health. 

Dental Implants In Sheffield

Dental implants can restore your smile and bite, but certain factors could impact the success of this life-enhancing treatment. We invite you to visit us for a full assessment to find out whether this is right for you.

Contact us today to book your dental implant assessment.

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