If you’re missing teeth or have a damaged tooth, you’re considering your options for repair or replacement. Dental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss, but are they right for everyone? At Absolute Smile, your dentist in Philadelphia, PA, we want to ensure that you have all the information you need about dental procedures. So, let’s look at dental implants, and when they may not be the best choice.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are devices implants into the jawbone to restore missing or damaged teeth. The implant serves as the root, while a crown replaces the missing teeth. Implants help reduce jawbone loss, which can result from missing teeth, and restore your full smile.

Who Might Not Benefit from Dental Implants?

While dental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss, they’re not for everyone. While most people can have dental implants without complications, there are four situations where dental implants aren’t the best choice.

• Inadequate jawbone: If your jawbone has lost too much density, it won’t be able to hold the implant. In some situations, bone grafting can resolve this, but it will delay your ability to get implants.
• Certain medical conditions: If you have an autoimmune disease or a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, dental implants may not integrate properly with your jawbone. In addition, some medications may prevent you from receiving the anesthesia you need for the dental implant procedure.
• Gum disease: Dental implants need healthy gums. If you have an infection in your gum or untreated gum disease, then implants could cause serious complications. Your gums will need to be treated before you can have implants.
• Age: If you’re young and still developing, dental implants could inhibit further bone development. Typically, implants should wait until after puberty, when your jawbone has finished growing.

While these complications can prevent you from receiving dental implants, your dentist in Philadelphia will have other options to replace damaged or missing teeth.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Philadelphia, PA?

Absolute Smile is here to meet your tooth replacement needs. We will examine your mouth and teeth and review dental implant costs with you to help you make the best choice. Contact us today to make an appointment. Take advantage of our free new patient consultation to meet our staff and choose your new family dentist.