Implant placement has now become a very routine procedure under local anesthetic in the dental chair.Dental implants copy natural teeth in the way they feel, function and in appearance. Unlike other tooth replacement options they do not rely on neighbouring teeth, metal clasps or adhesive gels for support.
Dental implants can be placed in most adults who are in good to moderate health. They are not typically placed in adolescents until the have reached their full expected height.
Certain uncontrolled medical conditions may decrease the effectiveness of implant treatment, so be sure to discuss your full medical history with your doctor at Port Douglas Affordable Dental before beginning this treatment.
Implant treatment is broken down into four specific parts:
Treatment planning
Implant placement
Abutment placement
Final crown placement
Occasionally a bone graft may be needed to provide an adequate site for placement. Once the implant is placed in the bone, a given period of time is allowed for the implant to heal (osseointegrate) before attachment of the abutment and crown. In some cases an immediate temporary crown can be placed. The final crown is usually placed 3-6 months after the initial implant placement.
There are still certain conditions that could affect your candidacy for dental implants, including:
Autoimmune deficiencies: Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, will have a more difficult time healing than other patients.
Diabetes: Diabetic patients with uncontrolled glucose levels are at higher risk of dental implant complications and implant failure.
Smoking: Our dentists recommend that patients quit smoking prior to dental implant surgery. Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of post-operative complications and implant failure.
Drinking: Alcohol inhibits your body's healing abilities and could negatively impact the results of your surgery.
Pregnancy: We recommend that pregnant patients wait until after delivery to undergo an elective surgical procedure.
Certain medications: There are certain medications that can have negative interactions with prescriptions you may be given during your surgery or recovery. Therefore, you should bring a full list of your medications to your consultation.