Who Can’t Get an Implant

Dental implants may be the go-to way to address a missing tooth, but they aren’t for everyone. At Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, we want to ensure the restorative dentistry service you choose is the right fit. Here are some reasons why you might not be a candidate for an implant.

1. Poor Bone Density

If you’ve lost a lot of bone density in your jaw, we won’t have anything to attach the implant to. Thus, you can’t safely have one.

2. Gum Disease

If you have a diagnosis of gum disease that hasn’t been treated sufficiently, we’ll wait to do an implant. Many instances of gum disease are controlled with treatment, and at that point, you may be a candidate, but not while the gums are inflamed. Putting an implant in with active gum disease can make it less stable.

3. Underlying Health Issues

If you have an underlying, chronic health issue, such as certain autoimmune diseases or blood-clotting problems, you may not be a candidate. Not all diseases and conditions disqualify you, so this is an instance when you will need to talk to your dentist in St. Cloud, MN, for an evaluation.

4. Age

Small children who are still developing their jawbone tissue are not candidates for implants. Anchoring the implant to a growing jawbone is a recipe for disaster. If a child has lost an adult tooth, we may recommend a bridge until they grow up. As an adult, they can consider an implant.

5. Pregnant Women

Women who are expecting babies should wait to have an implant until after delivery. The hormone shifts of pregnancy can have an impact on your gum tissue. If the gum tissue is inflamed or otherwise unhealthy due to pregnancy, your implants could suffer. Also, any unnecessary surgical procedures, including implants, are best left until after the delivery for the health of the baby.

Wondering if you’re a candidate for implants? Talk to the team at Friesz Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to see what’s true for you.