Implants are not an option for everyone. You should be in good health and cleared by your doctor before scheduling any implant surgery.
• If you are in good general health and your jaw can support an implant, this treatment may be a good option for you. Your health is a bigger factor than your age.
• You should have enough jawbone to support the implant or be able to have surgery to build up the jawbone. Bone can be built up with a bone graft or with sinus lift surgery.
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and leukemia, may slow healing after surgery. Implant treatment may not be a good option for people with these diseases.
• Some medications, like certain antacid medications and antidepressants also may negatively affect implant placement.
• Using tobacco of any kind (such as dip, chew, cigarettes, pipes and e-cigarettes) can slow your healing process as well, making implant treatment difficult.
If your dentist recommends implant treatment, consistent and good oral hygiene is important for the success of the implant. You must spend time caring for the implant and making sure the area around it is clean. Poor oral hygiene increases your risk for infection, which can weaken the bone and tissues that are needed to support the implant.
Other Things to Think About
Talk about implant treatment with your dentist, and consider it carefully. Dental implant treatment can take longer and cost more than other replacement options, but implants are often a good value because they can last a lifetime.
Regular dental visits and putting in the time to take care of your implant are key to the long-term success of your implant. Your dentist might set up a program to help you keep your implant and natural teeth healthy.
Your dentist also can suggest a home-care routine that meets your needs. It likely will include brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and cleaning between your teeth at least once a day. You also may be told to use a special toothbrush or mouthrinse to help prevent cavities and gum disease.