Who can get implants?
Good general health is important
Before the implantation process, the patient undergoes a thorough medical examination. Unless there is a medical problem, implantation is possible at any age.
Implants can only be inserted in totally healthy jaws. Any inflammation, gum disease, or tooth decay must be treated in advance. Computer tomography (CT) is performed to make sure that the patient has a sufficient bone quantity in the area concerned. If not, the option of bone grafting is examined.
In summary, the preconditions are the following:
- good general health
- sufficient bone quantity in the area concerned
- good dental hygiene
Who cannot get implants?
Factors excluding implantation
The identification and treatment of medical problems is indispensable to tooth implantation. The examination may shed light on conditions that exclude the operation. While implantation carries minimal medical risks, certain chronic diseases, age-related conditions and life-style factors are considered prohibitive. These conditions include
- grave immune system problems
- grave diabetes (however, implantation is possible if the client’s insulin level is well controlled and closely monitored)
- tumorous diseases
- grave cardiovascular diseases
- grave haematopoietic (blood-forming) diseases
- grave blood coagulation problems
- certain medications
- pregnancy (because radiology is detrimental to the foetus)
- insufficient bone quantity at the site of the operation
- poor oral / dental hygiene
- jaws still growing (age 14-18)
- heavy smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- drug or medicine addiction
Of the conditions listed above, poor oral hygiene can be resolved the easiest. Have your teeth checked and any tartar removed by a dentist twice a year, stick to a healthy diet, and clean your teeth thoroughly, and tooth implantation will probably be possible.
More information about dental implants:
►Risks of implantation
►Preparing for implantation
►Steps of implantation
►After implantation
►Fixing removable dentures with implants
►About dental implants
►Bone grafting, sinuslift