Am I a Candidate for Implants?
Woodland, CA
 When people experience tooth loss, there are so many things that go along with it besides just the dental health issues. Even the simplest daily activities of life become difficult or embarrassing. Little things that most people take for granted such as talking, smiling, laughing and eating can be humiliating, not to mention painful. Although there are several solutions that someone going through these issues may find helpful, dental implants are oftentimes the best choice.
This is true for people needing anything from a single tooth replaced all the way up to a full mouth restoration. Here at Beautiful Smiles, our dental care experts pride themselves on providing these and many other solutions to the oral health needs of our patients.
What Are the Main Types of Dental Implants?
To better understand what dental implants are and what they can provide to you as far as replacing one or more missing teeth, it is important to know what options are available. Implants come in two basic varieties - endosteal and subperiosteal.
The difference between these two types of implants is the location of where they are placed. With endosteal, the implants go into the jawbone itself, creating maximum stability and security. It is also the more commonly chosen option. This is where the screw or cylinder which anchors the implant is placed inside the bone. This is by far the better option compared to dentures or bridges, the other possible replacement appliances.
When the implant is located on top of the bone, that is what is known as a subperiosteal implant. This type of procedure is used for patients who do not possess the necessary height in their jawbone to support endosteal implants and who also cannot wear conventional dentures. This is often the recommended treatment for when even a bone graft is not able to correct the jawbone height.
All Tooth, Multi-Tooth or Single Tooth Replacement
When it comes to getting implants, the exact needs of each individual patient varies. Some people may be looking for a single tooth replacement. Others might need treatment for several missing teeth or even an entire upper or lower jaw. And of course, there are those times when a full mouth restoration is required.
For each of these situations, dental implants can provide a one time, long-term solution. This includes single anchors and crowns for one tooth, a bridge made of crowns to address a multi-tooth replacement, as well as The All-on-4® Treatment Concept and other options for restoring teeth to an entire jaw or even the whole mouth.
Determining Who Is Not a Good Candidate
In most cases, people with good overall dental health are good candidates for implants. However, certain conditions or behaviors such as gum disease, smoking, diabetes, excessive alcohol use and even those who may have undergone radiation treatment for oral cancer may not be suited for this type of treatment.
To learn more about the dental implant process, as well as to find out if it might be the solution that you have been looking for, get in touch with our clinic here at Beautiful Smiles. Our courteous and helpful staff is always ready to assist any of our new or returning patients. Simply dial (530) 206-9211 to discuss what we can help you with. |
