Contraindications to Dental Implant Placement

While dental implant placement is one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth, there are some scenarios in which these implants cannot be placed. Because dental implant placement requires surgery, there are a few general contraindications that may interfere with the procedure itself. 

When considering all of the tooth replacement options, it is important to also be aware of the contraindications that come along with each. There are a few associated with dental implant placement. Read on to find out more about them.

Reasons why dental implant surgery may not be recommended

Below are some general contraindications that come along with dental implants. However, it is always best to consult with a dentist because any individual may have specific circumstances that could get in the way.

Immune disorders

Dental implant placement cannot be done if the patient has an immune disorder. This is actually a common contraindication for a lot of surgeries. The immune system is responsible for healing the body once something new has been introduced into the system. In this scenario, that would be the titanium dental implants. If the patient has a disorder in which the immune system does not function properly, then they are less likely to be able to heal naturally after the procedure is over.

Pregnancy

One of the main contraindications to dental implant placement is if the patient is pregnant. A pregnant patient should generally avoid surgical procedures due to the risks of using anesthesia. In addition, with dental implants, the body also has to undergo changes as the mouth adapts to the new implants. It is best to avoid this process until the patient is not carrying a child.

Young age

Patients under the age of 16 are advised against dental implant placement. The jawbone structure of adolescents, as well as their entire mouths, may not be fully developed yet, which could cause problems with the implants later on. The jaw must be fully developed in order to successfully support the implants. Children and even teenagers are unlikely to have a jaw strong enough to fully support them. A simple X-ray can be used to determine whether there is enough jawbone. 

Cancer

Patients looking to replace their teeth with dental implants may not be a good candidate if they have cancer or have had it within the last five years. The exposure to radiation during radiotherapy can interfere with the titanium materials that the dental implants are made of. It is best to consider other tooth replacement options or wait until the dentist or doctor thinks it is safe for the body.

Is a dental implant the right choice?

Want to know more about the contraindications to dental implants? While this list covers a few common ones, it is best to consult with a professional about potential patient-specific issues. A dentist or oral surgeon can review your medical and oral health history and give more personalized advice about whether an implant is a good option for you.

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