Who Is Dental Implant Treatment For? What Are the Advantages?

Dental implants are titanium fixtures surgically placed in the jawbone as artificial tooth roots. They provide a permanent, physiologic foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Who Is a Candidate?

Candidacy primarily depends on general health and the quantity/quality of jawbone.

Suitable Candidates

1. Anyone with missing teeth: From a single tooth to fully edentulous cases.
2. Completed skeletal growth: Typically age 18+ with completed jaw development.
3. Adequate bone volume/density: Sufficient width and height are needed for stability.
4. Medically fit: No contraindication to minor surgery; chronic conditions controlled.
5. Good oral hygiene: Longevity depends on maintenance, just like natural teeth.

When It May Be Contraindicated

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy
• Untreated severe periodontitis
• Insufficient bone: Augmentation/sinus lift may be required first.
• Heavy smoking: Slows healing and raises peri-implantitis risk.

Advantages of Implants

1. Natural look and feel: Transmit chewing forces to bone like natural roots.
2. Prevents bone loss: Stimulates bone and reduces resorption.
3. No harm to neighbors: Does not require preparing healthy adjacent teeth.
4. Improved speech/chewing: Implant-supported fixed prostheses are more stable.
5. Longevity: With proper care and recalls, they can last a lifetime.