Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants at Whitehorse Dental?

Dental implants have long been known to offer a long-term solution to missing teeth. That is because they look, feel and function like real teeth and can help restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.

However, not many people know that dental implants are considered a great option for missing or hopeless teeth.  They are not a great option for replacing teeth that can be saved with conventional treatment.  Moreover, getting dental implants is not always the right option for everyone. At Whitehorse dental, we only recommend dental implant procedures if we know they have a high chance of long-term success.

So, the big question is: Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, that’s placed into your jawbone to support a crown (the visible part of the tooth). The main purpose of this is to replace a missing tooth in case you have one extracted and want to have it replaced. The process is called dental implant surgery, and when done well, it can restore both the appearance and function of a missing tooth.

However, our dental implant surgery at Whitehorse Dental is not something we take lightly. For us, we want to make sure that before any implant is placed, your mouth must be healthy. Why? Because implants, while they offer replacement, function and look like natural teeth, they are NOT natural teeth that can sit harmoniously with your oral environment. Dental implants need a clean, strong environment to stay stable for many years.

Why the Health of Your Mouth Matters

Think of it like your natural tooth is like a living tree; it adapts to changes and can heal to a certain extent. A dental implant, however, is more like a fence post. It does not heal or fight infection on its own. If they are placed into unhealthy “soil” (your gums and bone), they will not last long.

Our natural tooth is a living part of us that has a pulp, which holds the nerves and blood, and nourishes the tooth. Dental implants do not have life, which is why it’s important to have a clean environment before introducing it to your mouth.

This is why dental implant surgery is one of the last steps we do in our clinic; not the first. We only move forward once your gums are free from infection, any cavities or decay are treated, and you’re able to maintain your oral health on your own.

So, Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

You may be a good candidate for dental implants if:

• You’re missing one or more teeth
• Your gums are healthy, or can be treated and made healthy
• You have enough bone to support the implant
• You don’t have uncontrolled medical conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
• You’re a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking
• You’re committed to daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth
• You’re looking for a long-term tooth replacement and willing to maintain it

At Whitehorse Dental, we hold a high standard when it comes to candidates for dental implants, where we carefully check all of these factors before recommending the treatment. We do this to give your dental implant procedure the highest possible chance of success. Otherwise, there may be an increased risk of complications such as peri-implantitis later on.

What Happens If You’re Not a Good Candidate?

If your dentist finds that you are not quite ready for getting dental implants, there are still other ways to replace a missing tooth. Everyone’s situation is different, and the right solution depends on your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed solution that uses the neighbouring teeth on either side of the gap to support a false tooth in the middle. It does not require surgery, but requires filing down your teeth to hold the bridge in place. However, it can be completed in just a few appointments.

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable and designed to replace one or several missing teeth. They usually clip onto nearby teeth and can be taken out for cleaning. They are also a budget-friendly alternative and less invasive than dental implants.

3. No Replacement

In some cases, especially when the missing tooth is located at the very back of the mouth (like a molar), your dentist may suggest leaving the gap as it is. If it does not affect your bite, appearance, or daily function, this could be a perfectly acceptable option.

However, it’s important to have a proper discussion with your dentist first. Leaving a gap untreated in the wrong area could cause your remaining teeth to shift, which may affect your bite or lead to future problems.

Are Dental Implants Worth the Investment?

They can be, if the conditions are right.

It’s no secret that dental implant procedures can be costly. But what’s even more costly is getting an implant that does not last because the gums or bone were not healthy to begin with. That’s why at Whitehorse Dental, we invest time in making sure your mouth is ready before we place the implant.

We ensure all aspects that can affect your dental implant surgery will be addressed, like treating gum diseases, filling decays and other important treatments that should be done first. 

For more information about dental implants in Blackburn, VIC, discuss your concerns with our team at Whitehorse Dental. Book a consultation with us to know better.