The permanent way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants, an advanced procedure that replaces both tooth root and crown. This restorative dentistry solution works for many people, but the only way to know if you’re a good dental implant candidate is to schedule a consultation with the dental team at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles, CA.
The Road to Become a Dental Implant Candidate
Typically, only one dental visit is needed for your Los Angeles dentist to determine if you are a good dental implant candidate. Here is what to expect as you embark on this journey to replace missing teeth:
- Consultation: Have a conversation with your dentist about your smile makeover goals. If you want to fill in the holes in your smile, discuss the viable options, from dentures to dental bridges to dental implants, and learn the benefits of each.
- Examination: Your dentist assesses your overall oral health through a dental examination, including digital x-rays and 3D scans. He measures bone density, looks for gum disease or other infections, and determines if your mouth is strong enough for dental implants.
- Determination: Once all the information about your oral health is gathered, your Los Angeles dentist makes a recommendation about the best option for replacing your missing teeth.
Characteristics of a Good Dental Implant Candidate
Dental implants are used to replace one teeth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth, as long as your mouth is in the right kind of condition for such a restoration. Here are some of the most critical characteristics of a good dental implant candidate:
- Healthy gums: The foundation of your smile must be clean and infection-free, and that means no gum disease in any form. If you do have gingivitis or periodontitis, you aren’t eliminated as a dental implant candidate, but you will need to get treatment for this problem first and reestablish healthy gums.
- Good bone density: It is critical for your jawbone to have adequate space to accommodate the dental implants. For some patients, gum grafts are needed to create room and a solid base for the implants.
- Jaw strength: Age and disease affects jaw strength, but it’s necessary for the jawbone to be strong enough so the dental implant can successfully fuse with the jawbone and hold the implants.
Types of Dental Implants You May Qualify For
There are several types of dental implants available, but every patient and their needs are different. All that matters is achieving a strong, secure smile that looks natural, functions properly, and feels normal.
- Single dental implant: One missing, extracted, or lost tooth can be replaced with a single implant and porcelain crown.
- Denture implants: If you don’t want dentures but need the replacement of multiple teeth, you may qualify for denture implants, an appliance that snaps permanently on the implant for a secure restoration that doesn’t require adhesive.
- All-On-4: Patients who need to replace an entire arch of missing teeth can have their smile transformed with four strategically placed dental implants and a dental bridge or partial denture to cover the entire space.
- Full-mouth implants: If you’re missing teeth on both the top and bottom of your mouth, they are replaced with the most effective number of dental implants and accompanying prosthetics.
Get Dental Implants in Los Angeles
When you have missing teeth, it is essential to have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid further dental damage. Whether a tooth is extracted or lost because of disease or damage, dental implants are quite often a viable solution. Find out if you’re a good dental implant candidate at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles. Contact us to schedule a consultation and get on the path to restoring your smile so it looks beautiful and works perfectly.
-
![Dr. Don Mungcal]()
Dr. Don Mungcal
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
