Dental implants are a popular means of replacing missing teeth, and are often chosen in place of traditional treatment with dentures. This kind of treatment is commonplace, and offered by most good dentists. Modern implants can be fitted with ease and minimum risk of any difficulty for the patient. People considering getting this kind of work done should be aware that there are some requirements to be met before treatment can start.
The bone into which the implant(s) will be placed should have adequate space to accommodate them – this allows the dentist to create a look that is as close to natural teeth as possible. The patient is assessed to find out if there is enough space and bone available to support the implants.
How is the assessment completed?
There are two main means of deciding whether or not a patient is eligible for dental implants. As with patients who are being evaluated for other kinds of treatment such as braces; the dentist will take x-rays to get a clear picture of the bones in the face; particularly those in the jaw. Orthopantomography is a type of scanning that allows the dentist to pinpoint the placement of the teeth which remain; examine the sinuses; and measure the density of the bone.
Once the assessment is completed, the expert then uses computer technology to help plan exactly where the implants will be placed. There are various considerations to be made as part of this process: including making sure that the natural teeth have enough space to accommodate the new implants; and ensuring that the nasal cavity and vascular nerve bundle are protected.
How many dental implants?
Patients getting dental implant treatment don’t necessarily get an implant to replace every missing tooth. Once a thorough examination has been completed, the dentist may plan to use less implants to compensate for a greater number of lost teeth – working carefully to create an aesthetically pleasing look.
What happens if there is a lack of bone?
Patients who don’t have as much bone as is desirable for this procedure are not necessarily ruled out. Instead, the expert may be able to suggest dental implants that are of a reduced length, or even tiny implants that do not have the same requirements in terms of space and bone. Modern advances in implant technology mean that most people can be eligible for some form of dental implants if that is the most suitable treatment for them.
For people who are keen to correct the appearance of missing teeth, dental implants can be a great option. They are generally considered to be superior to traditional dentures; particularly as they offer a more natural appearance and are usually not detectable. Implants can mean less restriction when it comes to eating, and minimal discomfort in comparison with dentures. A good dentist will conduct a careful examination of the patient’s eligibility for dental implants; and advise on how the treatment will work as well as the results that can be expected.
