Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?Unfortunately, in the field of dentistry, not every patient is a good candidate for every procedure. Each patient is unique as are their needs. That is why it is imperative that a complete and proper dental exam and evaluation is completed to make sure the procedure fits the goals of the patient and meets their needs. When considering dental implant placement, one of the first requirements is the patient has a good medical history as well as good oral health records. They need to also have a good supportive bone structure in their jaws as well as have no traces of periodontal disease. There are numerous applications for dental implants. They can secure dentures, bridges, and crowns. As with any procedure, at Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center we are here to answer any question and give you the necessary information. Who is Not a Candidate?Specific factors can preclude some patients from being good candidates for the procedure. One of those factors is the age of the patient. For those over the age of 60, dental implant placement may be difficult due to the loss of bone mass in the jaw. This is also true of those patients who have received cancer treatment in the form of radiation doses. Many patients fail to realize that some medications they have been prescribed may hinder proper bone growth. For women who are post-menopausal, with lowered levels of estrogen, it can make for a difficult implant procedure. Anyone with severe gum disease, who uses any tobacco products, or has diabetes are also not considered good candidates. Any patient with one or more of these factors may not automatically be removed from consideration. These types of factors do complicate the procedure and the outcome might not be quite the success the patient wanted. Alternatives to Dental ImplantsWhether or not you are a good candidate, there are available alternatives to dental implants. One such alternative is known as mini-implants. As the name suggests, these are implants, however, they are considerably smaller than traditional ones which allow for less bone mass necessary and a far simpler procedure and recovery plan for patients. Nobel Biocare also developed what is known as the All-on-4® Treatment Concept as an alternative. Requiring far fewer implants, All-on-4 is less invasive than traditional implants. Noninvasive OptionsWhile patients may want the benefits of dental implants, the invasiveness of the procedure can be off-putting to some. There are a few noninvasive procedures available as well. Rather than insert implants into the jawbone, there are also tooth-supported alternatives. Bridges can be placed on teeth rather than artificial implants. While this is a solution, it should be noted it has some disadvantages. By using natural teeth as anchors, they can be put under more stress than normal, causing greater wear and tear on them. For those patients with questions, please contact us to discuss the options at our office located at Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today at (503) 652-8080. Additional Information: Implant Care |
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