Of course, each situation has quite different details that should be considered. This is particularly important in the case of medical decisions, and dentistry is recognized to be an important, though comparatively subtle, field of medicine. Whether you require treatment is a decision for your dentist and yourself to make. There are some common factors that should be taken into account when deciding whether dental implants are the best form of treatment for you though.

The process involved in installing dental implants has become a rather standard procedure with few special risks beyond the risks of many of the more complex dental procedures. Initially any remaining tooth will be removed to make room for the dental implants. The implant itself refers to the base, or artificial root of the replacement tooth. A hole is drilled into the jaw bone to receive this part of the implant. Typically titanium is used to make this component. This is based on research where it was found that bone grows very close to implanted titanium. In effect, it adheres to the metal and creates a solid and fixed connections. These dental implants act as a receptacle for a stem. The stem is secured in the dental implants and then an artificial tooth is affixed to the stem. The entire process may require multiple visits. Dentists often want to ensure that sufficient healing has occurred around the dental implants prior to attaching the artificial teeth. Otherwise there is the possibility
that the entire procedure may have to be performed again.

There are some individuals that are generally not considered good candidates to receive dental implants. These individuals include smokers, people with gum disease, individuals without sufficient jaw bone to anchor the implant, and a number of others. Your dentist should be able to inform you of any specific concerns involved in your case.

There are some possible drawbacks of dental implants as well. In some cases bone deterioration may occur. Though titanium is often used because of the effective bonding between it and surrounding bone, in some cases the surrounding bone may deteriorate instead. This is found to be more common in the case of smokers. The deterioration was found to progress at an increasing rate in many cases. This makes early detection and correction more important. In addition the structure of some dental implants, the technique used to implant the device, and a number of other factors may allow for micro-movement. Initially this may not be noticed by the patient, but with time it can result in gaps between the artificial tooth and the surrounding teeth. It may also cause gum irritation.

Other options such as inserted dentures are not as popular among some dentists. In approximately ninety percent of dental implants the procedure is considered a success. These options sometimes result in a lower level of comfort and function, but in some cases their use may be recommended. Adequately assessing your situation is important in forming the best plan for your future dental health.