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How Does a Dental Implant Work, and Will It Work For Me?

Faris Kirmani • Oct 19, 2022

If you're missing teeth, you may have wondered about replacing them with dental implants. In that case, you probably have a lot of questions. How does a dental implant work? How long does the dental implant procedure take? Are they suitable for me? It's best to get a consultation at your local dental clinic to find out definitively, but here is a summary of what to expect and what problems may hinder their effectiveness.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are usually made of titanium and are surgically placed in the jawbone. Over time, the bone grows around the implant, anchoring it firmly in position.

Implants are used to replace one or multiple missing teeth, whether lost through injury, disease, or tooth decay. They can also be used to support dentures. It is vital to get an opinion from a qualified implant dentist that offers consultation appointments to determine if they are right for you. The success of dental implants depends on many factors. But the health of your jawbone and gums is particularly crucial to how implants work and the successful outcome of your dental implant procedure. Let's take a closer look.

Factors affecting how dental implants work

Jawbone Health

When assessing how does a dental implant work, jawbone health is one of the most significant factors a dentist must consider. The jawbone may have sustained bone loss, which means there isn't sufficient jawbone available to place the implant and keep it stable.

Bone loss usually occurs when teeth are removed. During the healing process, the bone surrounding the empty tooth socket naturally resorbs, leaving a void that makes it impossible to place the implant. Furthermore, periodontal disease (an advanced form of gum disease) also results in bone loss, meaning placing a dental implant is problematic.

However, bone loss does not entirely preclude anyone from receiving dental implants—but it may require a bone graft procedure to augment the bone. This is a standard dental procedure, but be aware that it will add additional time to complete the dental implant procedure.

For dental implants to be successful, they must fuse with the jawbone. In a healthy jawbone, this process of osseointegration takes between 3-4 months. Following a bone graft, it can take as long as 12 months.

Oral Health

Your mouth must be healthy before having a dental implant procedure. Thus, if you have gum disease or tooth decay signs, the dentist will first treat these before beginning implant treatment.

General Health

How does a dental implant work if you have a chronic health condition? There are a few health conditions that may make a dental implant procedure a risky treatment option. Some general health problems that may affect dental implants include uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune Disease

One group of people who may not be able to have dental implants are those with autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body's immune system attacks healthy tissues. Depending on the tissues affected, this can cause a wide range of symptoms.

In the case of dental implants, the body may see the implant as a foreign object and attack it. This can cause inflammation and damage to the implant, which may eventually lead to it being rejected by the body and failure of the implant.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can have a significant impact on dental implants. For a dental implant to heal, especially after surgery, it needs a good supply of nutrients. People with diabetes often have poor blood circulation. This can inhibit the absorption of essential nutrients, which can mean that people with diabetes are more likely to develop infections, including gum infections. This is exacerbated by the fact that people with diabetes tend to have less saliva—which is crucial in washing away harmful bacteria from the gums.

Heart Disease

Heart disease also affects the body's ability to transport nutrients. Additionally, as with any surgery, there is a risk with a dental implant procedure. These risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. Your cardiologist can help you understand these risks and how they relate to your heart disease.

Furthermore, for the dental implant surgical procedure to work, you will need to be a healthy weight, with good blood pressure and able to take care of yourself after the surgery.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become thin and fragile. The condition can lead to a decrease in bone density, which may affect the efficiency of dental implants, making them less successful. If the bone around the implant starts to deteriorate, the implant can loosen, making it more susceptible to infection, resulting in implant failure.

The Bottom Line

To summarise, the dental implant procedure can provide many people with a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. However, some health conditions can affect whether dental implants are right for you, although it doesn't mean you cannot have them. How does a dental implant work for you? Book a dental consultation near you at our clinic or call us on (02) 4501 7930 to find out more.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.