What else can be done with dental implants?
If you have no teeth in the lower jaw, and are not yet ready for multiple implant placements, a conventional lower denture can be considerably improved with two implants placed beneath the front section - this is called an 'overdenture'. The same overdenture concept when used to treat the upper jaw, will usually require more implants as the bone is generally softer. Implant-supported overdentures, just like conventional dentures are still removed for daily cleaning, however, once back in the mouth, the implants make them much more stable.
Whilst not suitable for everyone, with proper preparation it is sometimes possible to fit new implant-supported teeth on the same day. This fast-track treatment can be applied to a number of different situations, however, you do have to balance shorter treatment times against an increased risk of implant failure.
There are many options and every case can be dealt with in a number of ways. You will therefore need to talk to someone who has examined your mouth thoroughly, before having a clear idea as to what is possible.
Dental implants have to obey simple engineering principles, in that they must be placed in strong foundations with enough of them to prevent overloading. In addition each implant must be accessible for daily cleaning so that the biology of the mouth can be used to maintain healthy surrounding bone and gum.
Who is suitable for dental implants?
If you have good general health then dental implants will almost certainly work for you. However, habits such as heavy drinking or smoking can increase the number of problems associated with initial healing and thereafter may negatively influence the long-term health of gum and bone surrounding each implant. Remaining teeth might also be compromised making treatment planning less certain.
Some dentists will decline to place implants if smoking cannot be reduced or given up altogether.
If you have any other complicated medical problems then speak to someone with relevant experience - it is rare to have health problems that prevent the use of dental implants.
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