Are Implants Right for Me?

With few exceptions, implants work for everyone

What if I Don’t Have Enough Bone?

Sufficient bone is important for the long-term success of dental implants. During your examination, Dr. Kazemi will evaluate the amount of bone you have. Various X-rays such as a Panorex or CT-scan may be needed for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Implants for lower overdentures are usually placed in the front part of the jaw where there is typically adequate bone, even in severe cases of resorption. The upper jaw bone may require bone augmentation depending on the number and location of the implants.

There are a number of available techniques and approaches that do not require any bone grafting. A good clinical evaluation, along with appropriate X-rays or a CT-scan will tell whether you have enough bone to support implants.

Am I too Old for Implants?

Some older patients fear their jaw bone is too weak for implants. The fact is, dental implants are equally successful and have excellent prognosis in older patients. There is no age limit for dental implants and for many, improved chewing, teeth stability, and self-confidence add quality to their lives. Implants have been placed successfully in patients over 85 years old with similar success.

Implant Success in Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis does not affect the health of the jaw bone. Dental implants are equally effective and successful.

Can Implants be Rejected?

Rejection does not occur with dental implants. The overall success rate for dental implants is 98% with almost 50 years of clinical research to back it up. Because implants are made of completely biologically compatible “bone-friendly” titanium material, they naturally heal and integrate with the surrounding tissues.

Implant Success In Smokers:

Studies show increased potential complications if patients smoke during the initial phases of implant healing. However, once healed and integrated, there is good long-term success. It is advisable to stop smoking for 2-3 months following dental implant placement for optimal results.

Medical Conditions Requiring Special Precautions:

  • Immune deficiency disorders
  • Post-radiation therapy
  • Post chemotherapy
  • Patients with diabetes may successfully have dental implants as long as they are well controlled. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes can experience poor healing and implant failure, and therefore should seek medical care prior to implant placement.
  • Implant and Grafting Safety:

    Extractions, grafting, and implants are quite safe and predictable and complications can be avoided when these procedures are performed by a trained, skillful, and experienced oral surgeon using specialized instruments and techniques. Dr. Kazemi specializes in these procedures and has performed them successfully on thousands of patients. Our office is designed and equipped for such surgical procedures, and the team assisting Dr. Kazemi is trained specifically for them.  Methodical, exacting, and detailed protocols are followed strictly to make sure every patient is safe and has a remarkable experience.

    Dental implants are made of completely biologically compatible “bone-friendly” titanium material, that naturally heal and integrate with the surrounding tissues.  Because titanium is accepted so well by the human body, it is also used for orthopedic implants, such as hip and knee replacements.

    Choosing the Right Dentist for Implants:

    Teeth replacement with dental implants requires the collaborative efforts of a surgeon and a restorative dentist and dental laboratory. Dental implant surgery is a highly skilled discipline, best performed by oral surgeons who are well trained and perform this procedure daily. Dr. Kazemi specializes in dental implant placement and has performed them successfully on thousands of patients. The prosthetic aspect (crown, bridge, etc.) is performed by your restorative dentist who may be a general dentist or a prosthodontist, a specialist trained in more complex aesthetic and reconstructive restorative dentistry.

    Video: dental implant treatment process: