Tooth loss can happen to anyone, even to those who have taken very good care of their teeth right from childhood. The struggle against tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease is an unending battle that most of us eventually lose either due to negligence or lack of regular professional care. And in today’s world where everything moves fast, there is always a possibility of tooth loss due to accidental injury.
There are various options for tooth restoration such as root canal treatment, dental bridge and dental implants. The first is root canal treatment and capping. Problems arise with caps as they tend to get loose and in many cases, the underlying teeth are lost. Partial bridges that used to replace them are usually uncomfortable to wear. Things may even come to fore that one starts to lose bone slowly. Dental implants may appear to be the only workable solution in such cases.
Loss of a few teeth does not mean that dental implants are the only solution. Dental implants can be used only when the underlying bone is solid and presence of a healthy blood supply exists. Besides, there are other considerations as well. These considerations can be classified under as dental, medical, psychological, age-related and financial.
Dental Considerations
Jawbone:
Dental implants are strong and permanent only because of a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration in dentistry is the direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of dental implants, which are typically made of titanium. Once dental implants have been placed in the jaw-bone, the titanium oxide permanently fuses with the bone.
There are various reasons why it may not be always possible for the jawbone to firmly grip the implant. Firstly, everyone’s jawbone is not the same and varies with each individual. Secondly, years of wearing dentures results in wear and tear of the jawbone and there may not be enough of it left to support an implant. However, there are reliable procedures through which weak and inadequate jawbone can be transformed in a way so as to provide a strong foundation to an implant.
Gums:
Apart from the bone, the state of the gums (prevalence of gingivitis or periodontal disease) and adequacy of gum tissue are also a consideration. These issues have to be addressed before the installation of dental implants.
Bruxism:
Involuntarily or unconsciously clenching or grinding the teeth, typically during sleep, may prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants installation. The pressure applied to teeth, gums and jaw joints while grinding can hinder osseointegration. However, wearing a protective night guard can be helpful in overcoming this problem.
Adequate access:
Your dentist needs to have adequate access for drilling and using other dental tools to complete various procedures. Some patients have difficulty in opening their mouths wide enough or long enough for the dentist to work. A solution to such problems may be found in mandibular staple or transmandibular implants placed on prepared sites by creating an incision underneath the chin and drilling upwards through the bone.
Medical Conditions
Success of dental implants is as important as proper placement. Underlying medical conditions have a great effect on how well dental implants will succeed. Installation of dental implants is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, prevalence of skin disorders affecting gums and soft tissue and during treatment of malignant cancer.
Some contraindications relate to common health issues and have to be addressed before procedures for dental implants should start. Diabetes inhibits the body’s healing ability and blood sugar should be under control before start of dental surgery for dental implants. Similarly, patients suffering from hemophilia require cryoprecipitate to facilitate blood clotting. Epilepsy and impaired movement due to stroke, arthritis or paralysis require family support to be successful. Smokers have to stop the smoking habit for at least two weeks before and eight weeks after surgery to allow adequate blood supply for healing.
Age Consideration
Age is not a major concern for use of dental implants. However, dental implants are not recommended for children because their jawbones have not yet finished developing. Dental implants can move out of their position when the jawbone grows and cause a variety of problems.
Dental implants can be used for girls once they become 14-16 years old and boys after 18-21, when the jawbone stops growing. Older age is usually not a problem unless there is an underlying medical consideration.
Psychological Considerations
Each prospective patient needs to have realistic expectations for dental implants. If you’re not satisfied the way your life is or trying to save your marriage, you should look beyond the use of dental implants.
Dental phobias and other hidden fears may stop you from becoming a patient. While phobias can be handled with anti anxiety medications, you may have to tackle other psychological problems by yourself after discussing them with your dentist.
The Cost Factor
Cost of dental implants depends upon the number of teeth in need of a treatment. Cost of dental implants plus fees is one thing that you have to discuss with your dentist and varies according to:
- a number of dental implants that have to be installed;
- if bone grafting or other restorative procedures are needed;
- your location, as cost of the same dental procedure may vary in different parts of the country;
- extent of dental insurance coverage.
Nowadays, dental implants are among the most successful artificial replacements. There are also procedures available to bypass most of the contraindications or by postponing dental implants procedure for some time. A consultation with a specialist is required to determine if dental implants are a possible solution for your particular case.