If you’ve lost a tooth or two, you’ve likely discussed the possibility of dental implants with your dentist. Although it has many advantages that make it a sought-after tooth replacement option, not everyone is suitable for the procedure. So, who should not get dental implants? From children and teens to those who have poor hygiene habits, here are four groups of people who generally don’t qualify for dental implants plus alternatives for it.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dentists meticulously tailor dental implants to suit the unique contours of your mouth, yet the process of implantation and subsequent healing can be a time-intensive journey.
Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements surgically inserted into your jawbone. It’s helpful to envision the structure of a natural tooth, which is firmly anchored in place by its roots embedded within the jawbone.
In simulating this natural anchoring mechanism, dental implants utilize a titanium post instead of roots. The dentist will position this post within the bone of your jaw. During the healing process, the implant undergoes a remarkable transformation as your jawbone gradually fuses with it, effectively integrating it into your jaw and mouth as a permanent fixture.
The success of a dental implant hinges significantly on the fusion process, but it is also contingent on the diligence of your oral hygiene and care regimen.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants due to the intricacies of the procedure.
Who Should Not Get Dental Implants?
Children and Teens
Age is a critical factor when considering dental implant candidacy, especially for children and teenagers.
In young individuals, the jaw continues to develop until approximately age 16-17 for girls and 18-19 for boys. This ongoing growth is crucial for the proper alignment and positioning of adult teeth. Prematurely, surgically inserting a dental implant post can disrupt this natural jaw growth process and potentially prevent adult teeth from emerging correctly.
Inserting dental implants in young patients before their jaw fully matures can have several adverse effects. These include:
- Disrupted Jaw Growth: Premature implant placement may interfere with the normal development of the jawbone, potentially causing misalignment or improper spacing of teeth.
- Impaired Adult Tooth Eruption: Dental implants can obstruct the path of emerging adult teeth, preventing them from taking their natural position. It can lead to orthodontic issues and a less-than-optimal final result.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Implants that do not align with the developing dentition may lead to aesthetic challenges, affecting the overall appearance of the patient’s smile.
When a young person loses a permanent tooth, dentists recommend alternative treatments until the patient’s jaw has matured. These alternatives include:
- Permanent Dental Bridge: A dental bridge can replace a missing tooth by connecting an artificial one to adjacent natural teeth. This solution offers stability and aesthetics without the need for implant surgery.
- Temporary Crown (“Flipper”): A temporary crown, known as a “flipper,” can be used to fill the gap left by a missing tooth until the patient is ready for a dental implant. It is a removable prosthetic that provides functional and aesthetic benefits.
- Spacer: Your dentist may suggest a spacer to maintain proper spacing between teeth, ensuring sufficient room for emerging adult teeth.
- Delayed Implant Placement: Dentists may advise waiting until the patient’s jaw has matured before dental implant placement. This patient-centered approach minimizes potential complications and maximizes the chances of a successful outcome.
Poor Oral Hygiene, Bad Habits, and Existing Health Conditions
Proper oral hygiene is crucial in determining whether an individual qualifies for dental implants. Although they replace missing teeth, they still require a certain level of health commitment for successful outcomes.
Here are the various factors that can affect a person’s eligibility for dental implants and alternative treatments to consider.
Neglecting Oral Health
One of the primary factors that can disqualify someone from getting dental implants is neglecting their oral health. Individuals who have lost teeth and have yet to demonstrate a commitment to improving their oral hygiene are unlikely to qualify for the procedure. Proper oral hygiene is crucial to promote healing after an implant procedure.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)
Bruxism, the chronic grinding and teeth clenching, can lead to dental implant failure. This condition, often occurring during sleep or stressful situations, can damage the implant or cause it to become fractured or loose. Dentists will assess patients for signs of bruxism and consider their suitability for dental implants.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
Certain pre-existing health conditions can delay healing and hinder the integration of dental implants with the jawbone. Individuals with such medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for dental implants and should consult their dentist for alternative solutions.
Jaw Bone Structure
A strong jaw bone structure is essential to support dental implants, as they need to withstand the forces of chewing. Insufficient or weak jawbone structure may disqualify a person from getting implants. However, this issue is fixable through bone grafting, a procedure that involves transplanting bone from another part of the body to repair and strengthen the jawbone.
Medications and Other Risk Factors
Medications that may adversely react to treatment or slow down the healing process can also impact a person’s eligibility for dental implants. Additionally, a dentist must consider a patient’s overall health status, as it can affect healing and increase the risk of complications such as infections or implant failures. Dentists conduct thorough screenings to evaluate these factors and make informed decisions in collaboration with their patients.
It’s crucial for individuals considering dental implants to consult with their dentist, who will conduct a comprehensive assessment and explore alternative treatments when necessary.
The Very Elderly
While dental implants, particularly implant-retained dentures, can provide significant benefits for older adults, it’s crucial to consider certain factors when recommending these procedures for very elderly patients, typically those over the age of 85.
Here are the considerations and exceptions surrounding dental implants for the very elderly, emphasizing the importance of individual health and circumstances in making informed decisions.
Health and Age-Related Considerations
When contemplating dental implant surgery for the very elderly, healthcare professionals, including implant dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists, must take into account several critical factors:
- Chronic Illnesses: Very elderly individuals often have a higher likelihood of dealing with chronic illnesses. These underlying health conditions may affect the healing process after implant surgery. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of a patient’s overall health status is crucial.
- Surgical Risks: As a person ages, the risks associated with surgical procedures, including dental implant surgery, can become more pronounced. These risks include anesthesia-related complications, slower healing, and a greater susceptibility to infection.
Longevity of Implants
Dental implants are often a long-term solution, lasting for decades. However, individuals over 85 may not necessarily require a dental restoration that will last for an extended period. This consideration highlights the need to weigh the potential benefits against the expected lifespan and oral health goals of the patient.
Individual Health and Patient Interest
Despite the general caution surrounding dental implants for elderly patients, it’s essential to acknowledge that each individual is unique. Here are factors to consider:
- A patient’s current health status
- The absence of contraindications for surgery
- A strong desire to improve oral health
In cases where an elderly patient is in excellent health and expresses a genuine interest in receiving dental implants, a dentist may recommend the procedure after a thorough assessment.
Smokers and Tobacco Chewers
One critical aspect to consider when getting dental implants is the use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco. Tobacco products contain harmful chemicals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide. These chemicals have several adverse effects on the body, particularly concerning dental implant procedures:
- Impaired Blood Supply: Nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco products can constrict blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the jaw. The diminished blood supply hinders the body’s natural ability to heal correctly.
- Inhibited Healing: The compromised blood flow caused by tobacco use impedes the body’s capacity to regenerate tissue and bone, which is crucial for the success of dental implants. This inhibition of the healing process can lead to implant failure.
Research has consistently shown a significant correlation between smoking and dental implant failure. Smokers face a substantially higher risk of complications during and after the implantation procedure. Consequently, most implant dentists prioritize patient safety and the likelihood of success.
In cases where there is a high risk of implant failure, many professionals may choose not to perform the procedure to avoid wasting both their time and the patient’s resources.
The Road to Qualification
For individuals who are committed to improving their oral health and are willing to quit using tobacco products, there is hope. Discontinuing tobacco use and demonstrating a long-term commitment to staying tobacco-free can qualify patients for dental implant procedures. Dentists may require evidence of sustained tobacco cessation to minimize the risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is age a factor when getting dental implants?
A: While dental implants can be successful at any age, they may not be ideal for very young individuals with developing jawbones. The jawbone should be fully grown to ensure the stability and longevity of the implant. Your dentist will evaluate the maturity of your jawbone before proceeding with the implant procedure.
Q: If I have an existing medical condition, can I not get dental implants?
A: Certain medical conditions can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions, such as poorly managed diabetes or autoimmune disorders, should consult with their healthcare provider and dentist to assess their candidacy for dental implants. Proper management and coordination of care often make dental implants a viable option.
Q: How does smoking affect my chances of getting dental implants?
A: Smoking is known to hinder healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which is crucial for the recovery of the implant site. Smokers should be aware that quitting or reducing smoking is essential to improve the chances of successful dental implant treatment. Your dentist can provide guidance and support in this regard.
Q: Can I get dental implants if I have insufficient bone density?
A: Healthy bone density is crucial for the stability of dental implants. Individuals with insufficient bone density due to severe gum disease or prolonged tooth loss may need bone grafting procedures to enhance the implant site’s strength. In cases of severely compromised bone, alternative tooth replacement options may be ideal.
Q: Are unrealistic expectations concerns when getting dental implants?
A: Patients with unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of dental implants may not be ideal candidates. While implants offer natural-looking and functional results, they may not replicate natural teeth entirely. It’s vital to have a clear understanding of what dental implants can and cannot achieve. Your dentist will help manage expectations and guide you toward a suitable treatment plan.
Seeking a Second Opinion on Dental Implants
Exploring the prospects of dental implants can sometimes lead to unexpected roadblocks, such as being told you’re not a suitable candidate. Often, this is due to a perceived insufficiency of the jawbone necessary to support the implants—a concern many believe to be insurmountable.
However, it’s essential to recognize that such obstacles do not always signal the end of your journey toward dental restoration.
When faced with this scenario, obtaining a second opinion is not just advisable—it’s a proactive step towards finding a solution tailored to your unique situation.
Dental professionals vary in expertise and experience, and you may encounter a practitioner who has successfully tackled similar challenges and has the skills to address complex cases.
Understanding Jawbone Deficiency and Dental Implants
The issue of inadequate jawbone is often not as prohibitive as it seems. Advanced techniques, such as bone grafting, have evolved to augment and regenerate bone, creating a suitable implant foundation. While the process may be intricate, don’t be disheartened—jawbone deficiency is a hurdle that is fixable with the right dental strategy.
Assessing the Risks of Dental Implant Surgery
Surgical procedures invariably carry some risk, and dental implant surgery is no exception. Being well-informed about potential complications is crucial, but it’s equally important to contextualize these risks within the broader picture of the surgery’s high success rate. Dental implant procedures boast an impressive success rate of up to 95%, offering reassurance that, statistically, the odds are in your favor.
Why Second Opinions Matter
Dentists exercise caution in recommending implants, aiming to avoid the rare instances of failure. It’s this selective approach that underscores the importance of a second opinion. Another dental professional might have the specific competence you need, increasing the likelihood that you can still benefit from this life-enhancing procedure.
As you navigate the path towards dental implantation, remember that perseverance can make all the difference. Consult with experienced dental surgeons who can provide comprehensive evaluations and alternative solutions.
Should You Get Dental Implants? Consult with Dr. Mexico Today!
When considering dental implants, understand that they may not suit everyone. While the installation process is relatively straightforward, the post-operative healing and recovery can be more challenging. In today’s dental landscape, many individuals prefer dental implants over alternatives such as veneers and bridges.
However, it’s essential to recognize that there are specific groups of people who may not be ideal candidates for this procedure. So, familiarize yourself as to who should not get dental implants.
At Dr. Mexico, our experienced dental professionals dedicate themselves to helping you make informed decisions about your dental health. We prioritize your well-being and will work closely with you to determine the most suitable treatment options.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants or other dental procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Your oral health is our top priority, and we are here to provide you with the best possible care and guidance.
