Implantology is a branch of dentistry that focuses on dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth in which a dentist inserts into the patient’s artifical tooth root. The dentist then inserts the artificial tooth root into the jawbone. To replace the natural tooth, the dentist mounts an abutment on the implant. As it continues to grow in popularity, implantology in dentistry has been a very important development of dental technology and can be a great option for people with dental problems.
Who Are Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
While dental implants are generally available to many patients, not everyone is a good candidate for them. A good candidate for dental implants should have:
- Healthy gums – Patients with gum disease should be treated first before getting dental implants. Also, unhealthy gums is often indicative to poor oral health and hygiene.
- Good oral hygiene – Patients should be committed to taking good care of their implanted teeth and surrounding gums. If they already have good oral hygiene, it’s a good sign that they will take care of their implanted teeth.
- Enough bone to anchor the implants in the jaw – This is important because some people who have lost the bone in their jaw can’t get dental implants. However, if they get the bone in their jaw rebuilt using special procedures, they can become good candidates for dental implants.
Who Aren’t Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
Some individuals may not be able to get dental implants due to a variety of factors. For example, pregnant women should not get dental implants. Also, young people whose jawbones are still growing won’t be good candidates. Heavy smokers shouldn’t receive dental implants either. This is because smoking interferes with healing in the mouth, which could reduce the likelihood of a successful implant.
Due to advanced technology, many people have more options to improve their dental health. Thanks to dental implantology and its father Professor Brånemark, people with missing teeth can restore their smile.
