Dental Implant Candidacy: 5 Key Factors -Do You Qualify?

Table Of Contents

Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Factors that Affect Eligibility
How does pregnancy affect dental implants?
Other Options to Dental Implants
Conclusion & Key-Takeaways
FAQs
References

So you’re thinking of getting dental implants to replace missing teeth?

You’re probably wondering if you qualify for this life-changing procedure.

With age, health conditions and lifestyle factors, it’s natural to be unsure if dental implants are for you.

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Most adults with good overall health, healthy gums, and sufficient jawbone density can get dental implants. Key factors affecting eligibility include age, smoking, and medical conditions like diabetes. Studies show a 95.6% survival rate for implants after 5 years. However, risks increase for smokers (RR=1.56), diabetics (RR=2.75), and older patients aged 60-79 (RR=2.24) compared to those under 40.

Factors that Affect Eligibility

Overall Health

When evaluating dental implants pros and cons, eligibility depends on overall health, oral health, and bone density.

Good general health is important for those getting dental implants.

Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, allergies and arthritis can complicate the procedure and affect healing.

For example, diabetes increases the risk of implant failure with a relative risk ratio of 2.75 compared to non-diabetic patients (5).

Patients should manage these conditions well and consult with their doctor to assess if they are fit for implants.

Oral Health

Healthy gums and no periodontal disease is essential for successful dental implants.

Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss, which can compromise the stability of the implant.

Addressing any existing oral infections is also necessary before proceeding.

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can greatly improve implant success rates.

Bone Density

Sufficient jawbone density is a requirement for dental implants.

Insufficient bone density may require bone grafting to provide a stable base for the implants.

Implants in patients with sufficient bone density has a high survival rate of 95.6% after 5 years (6).

This emphasizes the need to evaluate bone health before the procedure.

In cases of dental implants with bone loss, additional steps such as bone grafting or zygomatic dental implants may be necessary to ensure the success of the procedure.

A girl smiling with her new dental implants

Age Considerations

There is no specific upper age limit for dental implants but age can affect eligibility.

Patients 60-79 years old have a higher risk of implant failure with a relative risk ratio of 2.24 compared to those under 40(5).

But seniors can still get implants if they are in good health and have sufficient bone density.

It’s important to evaluate jawbone development in younger patients to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement for the procedure.

Lifestyle and Habits

Lifestyle such as smoking, drinking and high-impact sports can affect the success of dental implants.

Smoking in particular increases the risk of implant failure with a relative risk ratio of 1.56(5).

Commitment to good oral hygiene and lifestyle changes can improve the chances of successful implantation.

Considering the dental implant pros and cons, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and complications.

Factor	Impact on Eligibility	Relevant Data
Overall Health	Chronic conditions can complicate procedures	Diabetes increases risk of failure, RR=2.75
Oral Health	Healthy gums and absence of periodontal disease are crucial	Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss
Bone Density	Sufficient jawbone density is required	95.6% survival rate with sufficient bone density after 5 years
Age	Higher risk of failure in older age groups	RR=2.24 for ages 60-79 compared to under 40
Lifestyle and Habits	Smoking increases risk of failure	RR=1.56 for smokers

How does pregnancy affect dental implants?

Dental implants during pregnancy is not recommended due to several risks.

The hormonal changes that occur can increase the risk of infection, which is a big no for expectant mothers (5).

The procedure also requires potent anesthetics, which can be risky for both the mother and the developing fetus (3).

Other Options to Dental Implants

For those not eligible for dental implants, there are other options available.
These options can replace missing teeth and restore oral function.

Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges: These bridges are supported by natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth.

It’s a common alternative to dental implants and can be made from porcelain, ceramic or metal (2).
Resin-Bonded Bridges: Also known as Maryland bridges, these are less invasive and are bonded to the back of adjacent teeth using a metal wing.

It’s suitable for front teeth and less expensive than traditional bridges (3).

Dentures

Partial Dentures: These are used to replace multiple teeth in the same arch.

It’s removable and can be secured with clasps or precision attachments (5).
Full Dentures: Complete dentures are used to replace all teeth in an arch.

It’s custom made to fit the patient’s mouth and can be secured with dental adhesives or implants (5).

Other Options

Mini Implants: These are smaller versions of traditional dental implants and used to support dentures or bridges. It’s less invasive and can be placed in one visit (6).

Conclusion & Key-Takeaways

Key-Takeaways

Eligibility for dental implants is a combination of health, oral condition, and lifestyle.
Good overall health, healthy gums, and sufficient jawbone density are key to successful implants.
Smoking, diabetes and age can affect eligibility and success rates.
Alternatives like bridges and dentures are available for those not eligible for implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants are a reliable solution for missing teeth, but eligibility depends on several factors. Knowing these factors and having alternative options can help you make informed decisions for your oral health.

FAQs

What is the cheapest country in the EU for dental implant procedures?

The cheapest country in the EU for dental implants is Albania, offering high-quality procedures at significantly 70% lower costs compared to other European countries.

How much cost dental implants?

Cost: The cost of dental implant treatment varies greatly, from €500 to €2,000 per implant in European countries. Full arch replacement can cost up to €10,000 (1)

Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?

Patients with active gum disease are not ideal candidates for dental implants. But if you have a history of gum disease but have gone through successful treatment and maintain good oral hygiene, you may still be eligible for dental implants. Consult with your dentist to assess your situation.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years, even decades. Studies show that the survival rate of dental implants is high; 95.6% of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses survive after 5 years and 93.1% after 10 years (6). Regular follow-up with your dentist is key to ensuring the longevity of your implants.

References

Albrektsson T, et al. A 15-year study of osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 1990;5(4):347-359.
Article: A 15-year study of osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw
Buser D, et al. Long-term stability of osseointegrated implants in augmented bone: A 5-year prospective study in partially edentulous patients. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent. 2002;22(2):109-117.
Article: Long-term stability of osseointegrated implants in augmented bone: A 5-year prospective study in partially edentulous patients
Esposito M, et al. Interventions for replacing missing teeth: Different types of dental implants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(3):CD003815.
Article: Interventions for replacing missing teeth: Different types of dental implants
Howe MS, et al. Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: A systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis. J Dent. 2019;85:9-21.
Article: Long-term (10-year) dental implant survival: A systematic review and sensitivity meta-analysis
Moy PK, et al., Dental implant failure rates and associated risk factors. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2005;20(4):569–579.
Article: Dental implant failure rates and associated risk factors
Pjetursson BE, et al. A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(Suppl 6):22-38.
Article: A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years