While there are many other tooth replacement options, dental implants are the only ones that have proved to offer a permanent solution to missing or damaged teeth. In addition to replacing missing teeth, implants also help restore and strengthen the jaw bone structure, allow dental patients to eat healthy foods, and regain their confidence to smile.
But are dental implants always the solution? Sometimes your dentist will advise you against getting dental implants, even when you have missing teeth. In this article, we will tell you when dental implants are not suitable.
Inadequate Jaw Bone
A successful dental implant procedure heavily depends on the availability of enough jaw bone to support the implant. If you have insufficient jaw bone, the implant will fall off in a few days. Therefore, do not be surprised if your dentist seems hesitant to give you dental implants. If you take too long to replace the missing tooth, the jawbone in space loses density and shrinks, making it difficult for the dentist to place an implant. But this problem can be fixed through bone grafting. The only problem is that you have to wait longer to get the implants.
Gum Disease
The first criteria for getting dental implants is healthy gum. Therefore, your dentist will not place a dental implant into your gum if you have gum disease. If an implant is placed into an infected gum, the infection will develop around the implant, leading to failure. So, treat the infected gum first before placing an implant.
Medical Condition
Dental implants are supposed to bond and integrate with your jaw bone in a process referred to as osseointegration. But if you have an autoimmune disease or any other chronic disease such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, the process of bone-implant integration doesn’t happen, leading to failure. Your dentist will also not place your dental implants if you have a medical condition or are using certain medications that prevent you from getting anesthesia.
Age
Before you receive dental implants, you should have attained skeletal maturity. This means that your jawbone should be fully developed and not likely to have further ‘growth spurts.’ It’s risky to have dental implants before puberty is over because your jaw is still growing. If dental implants are placed at this age, they can inhibit further bone growth, resulting in their failure and potential oral complications.
