Implant dentistry offers many benefits for replacing missing teeth, along with versatile restoration options. However, to create an implant dentistry treatment plan, certain criteria must be met. These criteria mainly relate to the patient’s oral health and lifestyle habits. So, what makes a patient a good candidate for implant dentistry? Let’s find out.
Osseointegration in Implant Dentistry
Implants are small screws, often made of titanium. Titanium is a preferred material because it is well tolerated by the human body. During a procedure performed by our dentists in Plateau Mont-Royal, the implants are placed directly into the jawbone.
During the healing phase, a process called osseointegration occurs. This means that new bone cells form around the implant, allowing it to integrate progressively and naturally with the jawbone. Implants therefore serve as replacements for the roots of missing teeth and support different types of dental restorations.
One of the advantages of osseointegration and the presence of implants is that they help slow down bone loss in the jaw. Bone loss naturally occurs when missing teeth are not replaced in the medium or long term. The bone gradually loses thickness and volume, which can cause premature aging of the lower face. Additionally, insufficient bone structure can compromise the possibility of placing one or more implants.
Good Candidate for Dental Implants: What Are the Criteria?
Here are the key criteria that must be met for a patient to undergo an implant dentistry process to replace missing teeth. These criteria must be assessed and confirmed during an implant dentistry consultation.
Healthy Gums
The gums must be in excellent health. Since implant placement requires incising the gum tissue, it needs to be in good condition to promote healing after the procedure and ensure the implant heals properly.
Good Overall Health
Poorly controlled conditions such as diabetes can be a contraindication for implant placement. The immune system must also be strong and efficient. The patient’s overall health therefore needs to be evaluated.
Jawbone Volume
As mentioned, the condition of the jawbone must be adequate to allow implants to be placed at the right position and angle. When bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft may be necessary beforehand.
Non-Smoker
Smoking negatively affects the health of oral tissues and their ability to heal after surgery. Smoking during the implant healing period, which lasts several months, significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
To learn more or if you are considering dental implants to replace one or several missing teeth, schedule an implant dentistry consultation in Plateau Mont-Royal. The team at the Centre Dentaire de Haute Technologie du Québec is ready to welcome you!