Dental implants are restorations that dentists use to replace missing teeth. Patients interested in this treatment must determine if they are an ideal candidate for this procedure. Systemic health conditions such as low bone density can create challenges for dental surgery. The patient should disclose all health history concerns to the dental team. Together, the patient and dentist can choose a treatment plan that is most beneficial for the patient's unique situation.
Conditions that indicate low bone density include osteoporosis and osteopenia. When reviewing the patient's medical history, a dentist may see this condition as a red flag for dental implant surgery. The dentist must discuss these findings with the patient to determine the most suitable treatment.
Patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia may undergo bisphosphonate therapy to manage the condition. Doctors typically render this treatment intravenously. While the IV bisphosphonates help manage damage done by osteoporosis, this therapy can cause dental complications.
After a dentist extracts a tooth, bone fills in the extraction site. In patients who have taken bisphosphonates, though, this does not always happen. When the extraction site is left exposed, necrosis of the jaw can occur, which is painful and difficult to manage.
A dentist may consider prior bisphosphonate therapy a total contraindication to dental implants. If no alternative replacement options are available, the dentist can consult with the patient's physician to determine the right course of action.
When a tooth is missing for a long time, the jawbone in that area may resorb. Essentially, the bone shrinks because it is no longer supporting a tooth. In this situation, the dentist may recommend additional measures before implant placement. The most common adjunctive treatment is bone grafting, which is necessary if the patient does not have ample jawbone height and width.
After a dentist places dental implants, the jawbone fuses to the titanium prosthesis. This fusion, known as osseointegration, is crucial for the long-term success of an implant. The patient's immune response plays a critical role in osseointegration.
Some vitamins and minerals affect bone density. If a patient is deficient in vitamin D or calcium, the jawbone may not respond well to implant placement. In addition, chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes can cause delayed healing. For this reason, patients should be in adequate health before undergoing this dental procedure.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants in Allendale Charter Twp, MI
Dentists began widely using dental implants within the last 50 years. This treatment is highly effective at replacing missing teeth, so it has become the standard of care in most situations. However, medical concerns make other options more practical for some patients. To determine the ideal treatment, the patient and dentist must work together to evaluate the patient's medical history. Those wanting to learn more about this dental prosthesis should consult with a dentist today.
Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.
Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.Missing teeth can have an adverse…
Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…
According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are stable because the jawbone grows around them. This process is known as osseointegration, and it is essential for the success of an implant. Several elements can affect this process, and patients undergoing the dental implant procedure should understand what affects an implant fusing to the bone.…
A dental bridge can fill your dental gap and restore your smile. Research shows that tooth loss is a common problem among adults. The dentist will discuss the different types of bridges with you on consultation day. Here are the different dental bridge types you should consider.There are no dental crowns necessary for this type…
Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…