Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Stamford, CT
 We value our patients, and their oral health. We strive to work closely with each client to determine the best course of action for every treatment we perform. The surgical placement of dental implants is a great option for a majority of our patients, but we will still use our training, expertise, and tools to determine candidacy before surgery is completed. Dental implant candidacy is not dependent on the age of the patient, even if they are older. It is also not dependent on the health of the patient. The biggest deciding factor is if the patient is able to heal appropriately at the time of surgical placement.
The science behind the success of dental implants relies on both the implant device and your own body’s reaction to the device.
The Dental Implant Design
The implant is designed to elevate successful implantation. Early studies showed that the body is willing to heal, but we needed a great tool for the body to heal around. The implant is made of medical grade titanium or non-metallic ceramic. It is fabricated with a threaded end and a head, and appears very similar to a screw in both size and shape. The threaded end is designed to capture a lot of bone material and create a lot of surface area; this end is sunk into the jawbone. As the bone heals, it should grow up and around the threads.
Healing through Osseointegration
The ability to heal in a timely manner is crucial to the successful implantation of dental implants. Osseointegration is the fusion of bone and a device. Fusion occurs through the growth of new bone material. As your bone grows or heals naturally, it will bond the implant firmly to the bone. This is done through your own natural ability to heal.
Who is not a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If a patient is unable to heal at a reasonable rate, we may delay treatment until changes are made to increase their rate of healing. Some conditions that can affect how a person heals includes:
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Medications: There are certain medications that a person may be taking that can decrease their ability to heal appropriately. We can discuss alternatives with your primary care physician if needed. In most cases, these medications are of limited use. Please let us know of any and all medications even if you think it is irrelevant to your oral health.
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Uncontrolled Diabetes: Patients suffering with diabetes that is not being handled correctly, or is out of control, can cause the patient to have a decreased ability to heal. We would want the patient to have care for their diabetes under control prior to surgery.
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Cancer Treatment: Patients currently undergoing cancer treatment may have decreased abilities in healing. We would want to discuss surgery with their physician before any work can be completed. To schedule an oral cancer screening give us a call at (203) 325-2661!
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Smoking: Patients who smoke tobacco or marijuana will need to abstain for a period of time before and after surgery. Smoking causes heat in your mouth which dries out your saliva, increasing your risk of infection. |
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