The procedure of inserting dental implants has seen great advancements over the years, but it’s not a new technique. Since 1965, when the first dental implants were invented, the process and the implants themselves have been refined and improved, so much so that dental implants are available for most patients as long as they enjoy good general health.
There are some aspects of your health that dentist will consider specifically. For example, dentists will take a look at the amount of jawbone (its size and density). However, even severe loss of jawbone is not an impediment for dental implants anymore thanks to the development of techniques such as bone grafting.
Grafting in this context simply means to move bone tissue from another part of the body, typically the chin or the hip, to the jawbone in order to compensate for the loss of bone. Once the graft is well established, there will be adequate jawbone for dental implants. However, many clinics do not require bone grafts from the patient. Bovine or synthetic bone is often used as a safe and successful substitute.
There are, however, a few complications that may limit or delay a dental implant procedure for a few patients.
Unfortunately, some diseases or conditions completely prevent a patient from obtaining dental implants. One of these is allergies to anesthetics, although patients may want to consult their local dentist or doctor in order to find an anesthetic that works for them. Another one is a condition that requires an organ transplant, due to the long-term use of anti-rejection drugs that suppress the immune system.
In the same vein, patients with HIV or a compromised immune system cannot get implants. Cancer is also a contraindication in most cases, although it depends on its stage and treatment. Patients with cardiovascular diseases, especially if they’ve had heart surgery, and patients with uncontrolled diabetes are also not candidates. Also, patients with a condition that affects their bone tissue may not be candidates for implants. Finally, patients who are still growing are not considered viable candidates for the procedure.
Aside from that, some conditions might require that a problem might be fixed, a lifestyle habit be stopped temporarily, or simply wait for a small period of time. For example, pregnant women should wait after the birth of their babies due to the use of x-rays. Smokers and drinkers might have to abstain for a week before and after the procedure, etc.
In conclusion, like the overwhelming majority of patients, if you are free from these conditions and are otherwise healthy, dental implants may be right for you.
Fill out the form on this page to receive a referral to a leading dental implant clinic in Costa Rica.