Dental Implant Candidacy in Los Angeles and Studio City, CA
Discover if You Qualify for Dental ImplantsÂ
While dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacements today, not everyone may qualify for treatment. Ideal candidates for dental implants are in optimal oral health, with no indications of tooth decay or periodontal disease present in the mouth or remaining teeth. Additionally, they don’t suffer from bone loss and have enough jawbone density to secure the implant firmly.
To learn more about your candidacy for dental implants, contact our Los Angeles & Studio City dentists today by scheduling an appointment at (213) 623-2212.
Determining Candidacy for Dental Implants
To determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants, our experienced dentists conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Key factors considered include:
- Overall health: Chronic conditions or certain medications can impact your eligibility.
- Oral health: Healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density are essential for implant success. Existing dental issues, like gum disease or bone loss, may require treatment before implant placement.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect healing and implant longevity.
- Age: Adequate jawbone development is crucial for implant stability.
- Medications: Certain medications can interfere with the implant healing process.
- Treatment expectations: Realistic expectations about the procedure, recovery, and long-term care are important.
Supplemental Procedures for Dental Implant Placement
While dental implants are a highly effective restorative procedure for missing teeth, some people may need to undergo supplemental procedures before starting treatment.
These procedures include:
- Bone Grafting: If you have lost a significant amount of jawbone, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the jawbone before the implant can be placed.
- Sinus Lift: If you’re missing upper back teeth, a sinus lift may be necessary to raise the sinus floor and make room for the implant.
- Ridge Augmentation: If the area where the implant is needed is too narrow or has a shallow ridge, ridge augmentation may be necessary to build up the area and provide a stable foundation for the implant.
Know Your Other Tooth Replacement Options
If dental implants are not the ideal choice for you, we offer a variety of alternative tooth replacement options:
Dentures: Removable appliances that replace multiple teeth. Dentures can be full or partial, depending on the number of missing teeth.- Dental Bridges: Fixed restorations that replace missing teeth with artificial teeth anchored to adjacent teeth. Bridges offer a more permanent solution compared to dentures.
- Implant-supported Dentures: A combination of dental implants and dentures provides enhanced stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures. This option is suitable for patients who desire a more secure and functional tooth replacement solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease can significantly impact your eligibility for dental implants. Active gum infections or periodontal disease create an unhealthy environment for implant placement. To ensure successful implant integration, gum disease must be treated and controlled before proceeding.
Smoking is a major risk factor for dental implant failure. Nicotine and other harmful substances in cigarettes can interfere with the healing process and increase the likelihood of complications. While it’s not impossible for smokers to receive dental implants, quitting smoking or significantly reducing tobacco use is strongly recommended for optimal results.
While many people are excellent candidates for dental implants, certain health conditions can influence eligibility. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or weakened immune systems may face increased risks. Additionally, patients taking certain medications, such as bisphosphonates, might require special considerations.
Determine Your Dental Implant Candidacy with Dr. Lavi
Do you think dental implants are the best treatment for you? For those living in Los Angeles & Studio City, contact our dentist today at (213) 623-2212 to schedule your appointment. We’ll guide you through the treatment steps and see if you qualify for dental implants.
