Dental implants are a widely used option for tooth replacement, offering a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. At Kedron Family Dental, we often get asked: Am I a candidate for dental implants? Here’s a guide to help you understand if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Dental implants can make a real difference to chewing comfort and confidence, and determining your suitability is the first and most important step. Here, we’ll break down the key factors that make someone a great candidate for dental implants.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
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- You Have Good General and Oral Health: This is the most important factor. Successful dental implant surgery relies on your body’s ability to heal. If you are in good overall health and your gums are healthy and free of periodontal disease, you’re off to a great start.
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- You Have Sufficient Jawbone Density: The dental implant, which is a small titanium screw, needs a strong foundation to fuse with. This process is called osseointegration. If your jawbone has atrophied due to a missing tooth, you may require a bone graft to build up the necessary bone density before an implant can be placed.
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- You’re Missing One or More Teeth: Whether you’ve lost a single tooth from an injury or need to replace a full arch, dental implants can be customised to your specific needs. They are an alternative to bridges and dentures, designed to offer good stability and a natural feel.
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- You Are a Non-Smoker or Are Willing to Quit: Smoking significantly impairs blood flow and slows down the healing process. This can lead to a higher risk of implant failure. While it’s not always an outright disqualifier, quitting smoking is highly recommended for a successful outcome.
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- You Are Committed to Good Oral Hygiene: Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent peri-implantitis (a form of gum disease around the implant) and ensure the longevity of your new smile.
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- You Don’t Have Certain Chronic Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, and some other chronic illnesses can affect the success of dental implant surgery. It’s crucial to discuss your full medical history with your dentist.
What If I’m Not an “Ideal” Candidate?
Even if you don’t fit for dental implants, there are often solutions. At Kedron Family Dental, we offer different procedures to improve your candidature, such as:
- Bone Grafting: As mentioned above, this procedure can rebuild a weakened jawbone.
- Sinus Lifts: If the jawbone in your upper arch is not sufficient for an implant, a sinus lift can add bone to the area.
- Periodontal Treatment: We can treat any existing gum disease to create a healthy foundation for the implant.
Why Choose Kedron Family Dental for Dental Implants in Brisbane?
Kedron Family Dental has been providing dental implants in Brisbane for over 27 years of experience. Our implant dentist, Dr Zaheer, designs your implants in our in-house dental lab and works to closely match them to your existing teeth. Dr Zaheer has placed 4,000+ implants to date, completing over 1,000 implant procedures a year.
We are a QIP-accredited dental practice and follow strict standards for infection control for your dental implant procedure. We use Neodent and Straumann implant systems. All crowns are made in-house or by approved Australian laboratories, using Australian-made materials. Published implant success rates are around 95–98%. Individual results vary, and your dentist will discuss what’s realistic for your case.
Book your complimentary dental implant consultation in Brisbane. Your consultation includes an assessment and discussion of your treatment options based on your individual needs. It will include photographs and an OPG x-ray so that we can craft a personalised, detailed treatment plan. Our treatment coordination team will also have a chance to discuss any finance options and concerns you have about the treatment.
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