If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be one option to consider. They can be used to support a crown, bridge or removable dental prosthesis.
Implant treatment is not suitable for everyone. Your oral health, general health, available jawbone, medications and ability to maintain the implant all need to be assessed before treatment can be recommended.
This guide explains some of the factors your dentist may consider when determining whether dental implants could be appropriate for you.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is usually a titanium fixture surgically placed into the jawbone. It is intended to support a replacement tooth or larger dental prosthesis.
After placement, the implant is generally allowed time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. This process is known as osseointegration. A crown, bridge or denture can then be connected to the implant at an appropriate stage.
Treatment stages and healing times vary between patients. An implant-supported restoration may assist with chewing and appearance, but it does not behave exactly like a natural tooth. Outcomes and treatment lifespan cannot be guaranteed.
What Determines Whether You May be Suitable?
Available Jawbone
An implant requires sufficient bone in an appropriate position.  Following tooth loss, changes in the height and width of the jawbone can occur. Previous infection, gum disease or trauma may also affect the amount of available bone.
Your dentist may recommend dental X-rays or a cone beam CT scan to assess the proposed implant site and nearby structures.
If there is insufficient bone, a procedure such as bone grafting may be discussed. Additional surgery is not required or suitable for every patient and involves separate risks, costs and healing time.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
The condition of your remaining teeth, gums and supporting tissues is assessed before implant treatment.
Active gum disease, tooth decay or infection may need to be treated or stabilised before surgery is considered.
A history of periodontitis does not automatically prevent implant treatment. However, it may increase the risk of inflammation and bone loss around an implant and affect your ongoing maintenance requirements.
General Health
Some medical conditions can affect healing or influence the risks associated with implant surgery. Relevant considerations may include:
- Diabetes and how well it is managed
- Conditions affecting healing or immune function
- Bleeding disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Previous radiation treatment to the head or neck
- Previous reactions to surgery, sedation or anaesthesia
Having a medical condition does not necessarily mean that implants are unsuitable. Its severity, management and relevance to the proposed treatment must be considered individually.
With your permission, your dentist may communicate with your doctor or medical specialist as part of the assessment.
Medications
Some medications can affect bleeding, healing, infection risk or bone metabolism. These may include certain blood-thinning medications, steroids, immunosuppressants and medicines used to manage osteoporosis or cancer-related bone conditions.
Give your dentist an accurate list of all medications and supplements. Do not stop or change prescribed medication unless instructed by the practitioner who prescribed it.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking is associated with impaired healing and an increased risk of complications around dental implants.
If you smoke or vape, discuss this with your dentist. You may be advised to stop smoking before surgery and during healing. Your dentist can explain how smoking or vaping may affect your individual risk.
Jaw Development
Dental implants are generally not placed until jaw growth is complete. Skeletal maturity may need to be assessed when treatment is being considered for a younger patient.
There is no set upper age limit for dental implants. General health, oral health, available bone and the ability to maintain the restoration are usually more important than age alone.
Oral Hygiene and Ongoing Care
Dental implants require daily cleaning and regular professional maintenance.
Plaque can accumulate around an implant and cause inflammation. If this progresses, peri-implant disease may result in gum inflammation, bone loss and, in some cases, loss of the implant.
Your dentist may also consider factors such as teeth grinding, bite forces, previous gum disease and your ability to clean the proposed restoration.
What Happens During an Implant Assessment?
A dental implant assessment may include:
- Discussion of your concerns and treatment goals
- Review of your medical and dental history
- Review of your medications
- Examination of your teeth, gums and bite
- Dental X-rays and, when clinically indicated, three-dimensional imaging
- Assessment of the available bone and nearby structures
- Discussion of alternative treatments
- Explanation of treatment stages and likely healing periods
- Discussion of costs, maintenance, risks and limitations
Further investigations or appointments may be needed before a definitive treatment plan and quotation can be provided.
What are the Possible Risks?
Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure and is not risk-free. Possible complications include:
- Pain, swelling, bruising or bleeding
- Infection or delayed healing
- Gum recession or changes in appearance
- Bone loss around the implant
- Damage to nearby teeth or anatomical structures
- Altered sensation or nerve injury
- Sinus complications involving upper-jaw implants
- Failure of the implant to integrate or remain stable
- Loosening, wear or fracture of components
- The need for repair, replacement or implant removal
The nature and likelihood of these risks vary between patients and procedures. Your dentist should discuss the risks relevant to your circumstances before you decide whether to proceed.
What are the Alternatives?
Dental implants are not the only way to manage missing teeth. Depending on your circumstances, alternatives may include:
- A fixed dental bridge
- A removable partial or complete denture
- Orthodontic space closure in selected cases
- Leaving the space untreated and monitoring it
Each approach has different benefits, limitations, costs and maintenance requirements. In some circumstances, choosing not to replace a missing tooth may also be reasonable.
When Should You Arrange an Assessment?
After a tooth is lost, the jawbone and surrounding teeth may change over time. Adjacent teeth can move, and the amount of bone available for future implant placement may reduce.
This does not mean that every missing tooth must be replaced or that treatment must begin immediately. An assessment can help you understand your available options, even if you are not ready to proceed.
Could Dental Implants be Suitable for You?
To discuss dental implants and other tooth-replacement options, contact **Smile Design Studio in Mosman Park, Perth**, on **(08) 9468 3322**.
A complimentary initial dental implant consultation may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Please ask our team about eligibility and what the consultation includes before booking. Comprehensive examinations, diagnostic imaging and other services may involve separate fees.
Attending a consultation does not obligate you to proceed with treatment.
Important information
This article provides general information only and does not replace individual dental or medical advice. Treatment suitability, risks, costs, recovery and outcomes vary between patients. No particular result or treatment lifespan can be guaranteed. A clinical assessment is required before treatment can be recommended.
