Are You an Ideal Candidate for Surgical Dental Implants?
Do you think that you could benefit from surgical dental implants? First of all, just what is a dental implant? A dental implant is basically a replacement for the root of a tooth that has fallen out whether due to trauma or tooth decay. The implant allows your dentist to replace your tooth permanently.
There is no worry about taking out your dentures to clean them or breaking your false tooth when eating. So, are you an ideal candidate for surgical dental implants? Before talking to your doctor about this procedure you might want to learn a little about it and see if you are a good candidate for implants.
Good Health
Just like all surgery, surgical dental implants have a higher chance of success if the patient has good general health. Besides having good health in general the candidate should also have good dental health. This means that prior to surgery any oral health problems must be treated.
Gum disease and tooth decay cannot be present if surgical dental implants are going to be put in. If you have either problem then treat these first before continuing with surgical dental implants. Certain medical conditions may decrease a person's suitability for surgical dental implants.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation then it is not a good idea to undergo this surgery. This is because when you receive radiation and chemotherapy your body's immune system is compromised and you will not be able to heal properly. You will also be more prone to infection.
Patients who have diabetes are also not good candidates for surgical dental implants. Healing time may take too long and the risk of infection is too great. People suffering from osteoporosis are also not good candidates for the surgery.
This is because osteoporosis leads to bone density loss and for this procedure to be successful there must be enough bone density. Although bone grafting is possible and is carried out in some cases, it is not advisable in patients suffering from osteoporosis.
If you are not suffering from any of the above conditions then you may be a good candidate for dental implants. At your consultation it is important that you disclose to your dentist any medications you are taking, this includes supplements.
This is important as you will be under anaesthesia while the surgery is being carried out. Having good communication with your doctor is the best way for the surgery to go well.
