Tooth loss can negatively affect the quality of life of individuals in many areas, from their aesthetic appearance to their chewing function. Today, implant treatment stands out as one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. While implant surgery is often preferred as a safe and effective method for completing missing teeth, this treatment may not be suitable for every patient. So, who is implant treatment suitable for? In which cases is this treatment not recommended? Let's examine the answers to these questions in detail.
What is an Implant?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. These roots, usually made of titanium, fuse to the jawbone like a natural tooth root and provide strong support. In this way, they offer the closest solution to natural teeth both aesthetically and functionally. Implants can be used in a wide range of applications, from single tooth deficiencies to complete tooth loss.
Who is Suitable for Implant Surgery?
Implant treatment can be applied to a wide range of patient profiles. However, certain criteria must be met for the treatment to be successful:
People with Good General Health: Since implant surgery is a surgical procedure, it provides more successful results in individuals with good general health. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or bleeding disorders in particular should have their suitability for treatment evaluated by their doctors.
People with Sufficient Bone Density: Since dental implants are placed in the jawbone, the chance of success is higher in patients with sufficient bone density and volume. The jawbone can begin to resorb over time after tooth loss; in this case, new bone may need to be added to the area where the implant will be placed, a procedure called bone grafting.
Adults with Completed Tooth Development: Dental implants are not suitable for growing children and teenagers because their bone development is not yet complete. Therefore, implant treatment is generally applied to individuals aged 18 and over.
People Who Pay Attention to Oral Hygiene: Paying attention to oral hygiene after implant treatment is critical for the longevity of the implant. Implant health can be protected with daily tooth brushing, flossing and regular dentist check-ups. The risk of infection may increase in individuals who do not pay attention to oral hygiene.
Non-Smokers or Light Smokers: Smoking is one of the factors that negatively affects the success of implant treatment. The healing process may be longer and the risk of infection may increase in smokers. Therefore, it is recommended that heavy smokers quit smoking during the treatment process.
Who is Not Suitable for Implant Treatment?
Implant surgery may be risky or inappropriate in some cases. These situations include:
Individuals with Bone Deficiency: Implant placement may not be possible in individuals who do not have sufficient density or volume in the jawbone. However, bone volume can be increased and made suitable for implant placement in these patients through bone grafting.
People with Serious Systemic Diseases: Implant surgery may pose a risk for individuals with serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, immune system disorders or bleeding disorders. Therefore, patients with such health problems should be evaluated in detail by their doctors to determine whether they are suitable for treatment.
Pregnant women: Pregnancy is a period of intense hormonal changes in the body. Since surgical interventions and medication use are limited during this period, implant treatment is postponed until after birth.
People who smoke and drink alcohol excessively: Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively affect the process of the implant fusing to the jawbone and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, individuals who smoke and drink alcohol heavily are advised to reduce these habits during the treatment process.
Patients with Advanced Age and Health Problems: Although advanced age does not directly affect implant treatment, some health problems related to age can affect the success of the treatment. Implant treatment may not be suitable for elderly patients, especially those with low jaw bone density and poor general health.
What is the Success Rate of Implant Treatment?
Dental implant treatment is extremely successful when applied to suitable patients. If good oral hygiene is provided, regular check-ups are performed and the doctor's recommendations are followed, implants can be used healthily for many years. The success rate in most implant applications is over 95%, and this rate can be increased even more with proper care.
The Importance of Post-Implant Care
After implant surgery is completed, there are some points that need to be taken into consideration for the treatment to continue to be successful. The following steps should be taken into consideration for post-implant care:
Regular Tooth Brushing : Brushing your teeth at least twice a day helps prevent bacterial buildup around the implant.
Use of Dental Floss and Mouthwash : Maintaining oral hygiene by using dental floss and antiseptic mouthwash reduces the risk of infection.
Regular Dentist Check-ups : It is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year to ensure that implants continue to function properly.
Avoid Hard Foods : Hard foods can cause damage to implants. These types of foods should be avoided, especially in the first months.
Dental implants offer a natural and long-lasting solution for the treatment of tooth loss. However, this treatment may not be suitable for every individual. Suitability for implant surgery is determined by the person's general health status, bone structure and oral hygiene habits. In individuals with a healthy oral structure and sufficient bone density, implant treatment restores chewing function and provides an aesthetic appearance. In order for implant treatment to yield successful results, a detailed evaluation must be made before treatment and oral hygiene must be followed after treatment.
As Karaer Oral and Dental Health Center, we offer you reliable and quality dental treatment services. You can contact us to get more information about implant treatment and find the most suitable solution for you.
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