When Are Dental Implants Not Recommended?
Dental implants are widely regarded as the most recommended long-term solutions for replacing missing teeth. However, they are not suitable for everyone. At Mirror Cosmetic Dentistry, serving Northridge, Fullerton, and Encino, our approach centers on carefully evaluating each patient’s candidacy for implants. There are certain circumstances when dental implants may not be the ideal choice.
Bone Density
One of the main factors that could prevent you from getting dental implants is insufficient bone density in your jaw. Dental implants rely on a solid foundation in the jawbone to anchor the post securely. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss due to prolonged tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma, there may not be enough bone to support the implant. While bone grafting procedures can sometimes resolve this issue, in severe cases, alternative treatments like dentures or bridges may be more appropriate.
Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions, particularly those that affect healing, may also not be the most appropriate candidates for this procedure. For example, people with uncontrolled diabetes may have a slower healing process and a higher risk of infection, which could increase the risk of implant failure. Similarly, patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with immune disorders may not heal properly, making dental implants a less viable option.
Health Habits
Smoking is another factor that can compromise the success of dental implants. Nicotine affects blood flow to the gums and bone, which can affect healing and increases the risk of implant failure. While some smokers can still undergo implant surgery, it is generally recommended to quit smoking before and after the procedure to improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Oral Hygiene
Another concern is oral hygiene. This process requires excellent oral health conditions to ensure long-term success. Patients who struggle with maintaining proper oral hygiene may not be ideal candidates, as poor care can lead to infections like peri-implantitis, a condition that affects the tissues around the implant and can result in implant failure.
Another consideration is age. While dental implants are safe for most adults, younger patients whose jaws are still developing may not be good candidates. It’s essential to wait until the jaw has fully matured before considering implants.
While dental implants are a fantastic solution for many, they are not recommended in cases of insufficient bone density, certain medical conditions, smoking, poor oral hygiene, or in younger patients. At Mirror Cosmetic Dentistry, we thoroughly assess each patient’s unique situation to recommend the best treatment options for their dental health. In addition, we can provide potential alternative solutions within a comfortable, accommodating treatment environment.