Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Dental implants are one of the true wonders of modern oral surgery. You may be curious to learn, though, whether they're a solid option given your situation. Let's take a look at who can and should get implants, why a person might not want them, and who absolutely shouldn't get them.

Filling a Gap

For many folks, dental implants are an ideal option because they fix the aesthetic problem of having a gap in their smile. Gaps also can cause speech problems, especially if they're in the front of the mouth.

Some people also get implants to replace molars and premolars due to chewing problems. This is a step many consider only after discovering the limitations of dentures and partials.

Top vs. Bottom Teeth

While implants are generally fairly successful, upper ones tend to have a few more problems than lower ones. There is a small risk, for example, that the post an implant sits on might protrude into the upper jaw or even the sinus cavity. Upper implants are also slightly more likely to fail due to the teeth being pulled down during chewing.

What Makes a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for implants are adults with fully developed jaws. In particular, they should still have significant dental bone structure left behind from the loss of their teeth. Doctors typically want to get dental implants done as soon as possible after extractions because this bone structure can atrophy. The posts that are used to secure the implants in place need this bone to be present so it can grow around the metal and provide a solid base.

Any dental health issues you may have might impact your ability to receive dental implants. First, any continuing gum disease issues have to be brought under control before an implant can be installed. You may have to work with a hygienist for several months in order to get such problems under control.

Second, people who smoke or chew tobacco at all are considered poor candidates. To put it simply, tobacco products seriously undermine oral health. Some heavy alcohol drinkers may also be discouraged from seeking implants.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Modern implant procedures are often completed in a single day. Even radical cases where all the teeth have to be pulled out can be treated using what's called an all-on-four process. This involves installing four posts that attach to a secure dental appliance that replaces the upper or lower teeth.

To learn more about dental implants, contact a dentist in your area.