Have you been researching ways to close that gap in your smile? If so, then it is likely that you have come across at least one article about oral implants.
Affixed to the jaw over months due to bone fusing with the implant, these extremely realistic restoratives act as a synthetic root for a prosthetic tooth or teeth. Thus allowing you to grip, bite and chew food without the movement or soreness that can accompany other types of restorative.
But, while these may sound too good to be true, there is a bit of a checklist that needs to be ticked off when it comes to having a dental implant Melbourne fitted. Many health issues can make you unsuitable for the standard endosteal implant, which will be explored in a bit more depth in this article. So, read on to learn more!
Dental issues
First things first, when you go to your dentist to discuss having oral implants fitted, they will assess your mouth for signs of decay and gum disease.
Gum disease can cause an implant to fall out prematurely if left untreated. Tooth decay also points to (usually) poor oral hygiene, which will need to be rectified for oral implants to be fitted successfully. If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a scale and polish to alleviate the cause and may prescribe you an antibacterial mouthwash, to eradicate the remaining offending bacteria.
If you have tooth decay, this will be treated with fillings or crowns.
Osteoporosis
An ailment that affects typically middle-aged women, osteoporosis can be problematic when you are looking to have oral implants fitted.
As it causes the jaw to recede and shrink down, if an implant were to be fitted in such a place, it would be unlikely to last very long. However, your dentist may make an exception if your osteoporosis is well controlled and is slow. Otherwise, they may decide that you are a better candidate for dentures or a fitted bridge.
Autoimmune conditions
OK, so technically, it is not the autoimmune condition that causes the issue when it comes to having oral implants fitted. Rather, it is the medications that can be used to treat such disorders.
As these medications suppress the immune system, this can mean it may take longer for your implants to fuse with your jaw. Also, certain medications, like methotrexate and steroids, can cause bones to weaken, making them unsuitable to have implants attached to. So, if you have an autoimmune condition, are taking steroids or immunosuppressants, please talk to your dentist and doctor about your suitability for having oral implants fitted.
Diabetes
Diabetes is not a disqualifier for having oral implants fitted, but much like autoimmune disorders, it is more about the effects that this can have on the immune system.
In short, if you have aggressive or uncontrolled diabetes, this can lead to it taking longer for wounds to heal. And if you are having oral implant surgery, this can create a problem with fusing and healing.
But once again, your doctor and dentist will be better placed to advise you on whether or not you are suitable for implants if you have diabetes.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
