SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ, CA
Do you have at least one missing tooth? If so, you may have thought about how to replace that tooth and restore your smile. Currently, a dental implant represents the best treatment option to replace a missing tooth. An implant looks and feels more like a real tooth than any other option, should last the rest of your life with good dental hygiene, and is the only type of tooth replacement that stimulates the jawbone, avoiding bone deterioration. There are many advantages of getting a dental implant in Scotts Valley to replace your lost tooth, but implants are not for everyone. In this article, we explore why some patients are better-suited for implants than others.
Are dental implants right for me?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with your Santa Cruz implant dentist. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, consultations always come first, before treatment begins. During this meeting, your dentist will review your records as well as your overall health history to determine the best treatment options for you.
Each patient is unique.
However, a good candidate for dental implants has the following qualities and conditions:
- At least 18 years of age
- Has good overall health
- Has good dental hygiene
- Does not have gum disease
If you are a smoker and want to get dental implants, we recommend that you quit smoking first, as nicotine in any form slows the natural processes of healing, which in this case could lead to implant failure. Also, anyone receiving radiation treatments to the head and neck is advised to seek other methods of tooth replacement.
Dental conditions could impact your dental implant candidacy—gum disease or not having enough healthy jawbone. Missing teeth and gum disease often go hand in hand. At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we can treat your gum disease in Scotts Valley. Having enough jawbone density is key to provide a stable base for the implant. You may need to undergo another procedure such as a bone graft or sinus lift for your jawbone to have the strength to support your implant. Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry can refer you to an oral surgeon for this procedure before proceeding with your implant.
Is a dental implant worth it?
An implant is considered the optimum method of tooth replacement for a good reason.
Here are some of the advantages to receiving an implant to replace your missing tooth:
- You avoid the sunken-in facial structure that many people experience after living with long-term tooth loss
- Restores more chewing ability than any other type of tooth replacement
- No worries about dietary restrictions
- Maintaining your implant is as easy as brushing and flossing the way you do your other natural teeth
- Will not exert pressure on adjacent teeth, which can happen with partial dentures or a dental bridge
Dental Implants in Scotts Valley
Are you tired of living with missing teeth—the appearance issues and problems chewing, not to mention the potential long-term oral health consequences? Then you owe it to yourself to see if a dental implant is right for you. Take the next step. Schedule your consultation at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry today by calling (831) 438-4411 if you live in the areas of Los Gatos, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz in California.