I have a missing front tooth that I lost in an accident. I have been wearing a partial denture for more than a month while researching my options. My dentist placed the partial until I decide what to do. When my appointment for the partial denture, my dentist said my options are a partial denture, a bridge, or an implant. When I returned to the office two days ago, my dentist said he would only do a bridge because an implant won’t work for me. Of course, I questioned why an implant wouldn’t work, and I didn’t really get an answer. My dentist did no CT scan or anything to tell if I am a candidate for a dental implant. Do I misunderstand the process? Is it possible that I cannot get an implant for this missing tooth? – Leidy from WA
Leidy – Most people are candidates for dental implants. But if your dentist did not perform a CT scan to examine your oral cavities and bone volume, we do not know why he is telling you that a dental bridge is your only option.
What Conditions Might Prevent You from Getting Dental Implants?
Some circumstances may prevent you from getting dental implants or make it more complex, and at times impossible. Several factors include:
- Severe periodontal disease
- Some chronic, uncontrolled diseases like diabetes
- Medication that interferes with blood clotting or the healing process
- Regular smoking and refusal to quit
Some medical conditions can affect the success of dental implants
The above situations may increase the difficulty of receiving an implant or prevent implant placement altogether. For information about conditions that might interfere with implant healing, read an article published by PerioImplant Advisory, Dental implant failure: Three common medical conditions that may affect success rates. Depending on your health history, a dentist may determine that you are not a candidate for dental implants.
Bit again, without an examination, a 3-D CT scan, and a thorough review of your medical history, it’s impossible to say if you are a candidate for dental implants. You can schedule an appointment with another implant dentist for a second opinion.
This post is sponsored by accredited cosmetic dentist Brian LeSage, DDS, of Beverly Hills.