Dental Implants are now a very predictable treatment option however case selection is still extremely important for a successful outcome. A good implant dentist will be thorough in the evaluation of the dental implant patient in order to avoid failure.
One of the most important factors is the patients medical history. Dental implants are surgical procedures which can be invasive, especially if a greater number of implants are to be placed. They require biological integration of the titanium implant surface with the bone, a process known as ‘osseointegration’.
Like any other surgical procedure your general health needs to be good in order to physically and mentally cope with the procedure and allow uneventful healing and post operative complications. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, heart problems amongst a whole host of others can be an issue and requires appropriate management.
Medications can also affect the implant procedure and successful integration. Patients on blood thinners which are commonly prescribed today need careful management before and after surgery. Alendronic Acid which is given for osteoporosis affects bone metabolism and necrosis of the bone after surgery. Although some of these conditions are not a total contraindication it often requires liasing with your doctor in order to safely proceed.
Existing dental conditions such as gum disease can also affect the integration of dental implants as they are associated with a raised level of bad bacteria. This can lead to poor healing and post operative infections. Excellent oral hygiene is an absolute pre-requisite for surgery. A healthy foundation is essential before dental implant treatment in order to avoid failure later which can be very traumatic both physically and mentally.
Successful dental implant treatment requires a combination of physical and mental co-operation. Restricted mouth opening and an exaggerated gag reflex can also make treatment very difficult so this should be checked before a lengthy surgery is booked!
Although this is just a brief summary outlining significant factors affecting dental implant treatment the value of a thorough pre-operative assessment cannot be understated.