San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Missing one or more teeth can reduce your self-esteem and make social and work situations embarrassing, especially if the missing tooth is noticeable when you smile. Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss for varying reasons, and most look for a permanent solution to repair the damage and restore functionality. Unfortunately, not every patient is eligible for dental implants. That is why our San Francisco implant dentists at Glen Park Dental are sharing information about replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant.
About Dental Implants
The leading solution for missing teeth, dental implants are inserted into your jawbone, giving them stability like your natural teeth. Dental implants stimulate your jawbone, so you experience less bone deterioration. Once the implant is in place, your dental implant dentists in Oakland at Glen Park Dental will cover the implant with a dental crown to restore function so that you can bite and chew as normal. If you only need one dental implant, the crown that covers the titanium post can be tinted to match the surrounding teeth so that it will blend in seamlessly.
The Initial Consultation
To find out if dental implants are the right solution for replacing your missing tooth, a consultation with your board-certified dentists in Marin at Glen Park Dental is recommended. During your appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and review your health records for a comprehensive overview of your needs. Then, dental technicians will X-ray your teeth and surrounding bone structure through traditional imaging and a computed tomography (CT) scan. The images provide critical information about the jaw structure, the location of your nerves, and the location of your sinuses (for implants being placed in the maxillary or upper jaw).
Considering dental implants are inserted into your jawbone, the ability for them to stay firmly rooted is vital to the success of the procedure. If your jawbone does not have a sufficient amount of bone density, then a bone graft procedure could help prepare your jaw for the implants. A bone graft is where your friendly dental implant dentists in San Francisco at Glen Park Dental extract bone from other areas of your body and place it in the jaw providing the necessary added strength for stable dental implants. If a bone graft is needed, your dentist will inform you of the procedure during the initial consultation.
Conditions That May Affect Your Candidacy
Although dental implants are ideal for restoring your smile, some factors could make it difficult for dental implants to be a success. Health factors to consider when opting for dental implants are smoking, pregnancy, cancer, untreated gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, alcoholism, and those exposed to radiation. The Oakland implant dentists near you at Glen Park Dental will determine the extent of your condition during the consultation to determine your eligibility. Simply because you have one or more of the listed health conditions does not automatically revoke your candidacy to get dental implants. Some conditions are treatable and could restore the possibility of successful dental implants.
In addition to the above conditions, those patients who are on specific medications, such as immunosuppressants and steroids, may not be eligible for dental implants. Also, if you suffer from bruxism, clenching, and grinding your teeth while sleeping, dental implants may not be the right choice for you as the extreme pressure could damage the crowns or posts. Finally, if your jawbone is not fully developed, such as children and young teens, dental implants could pose some challenges as well. Ultimately, your professional dental implant dentists in the Bay Area at Glen Park Dental will help you decide which tooth restoration option is best for you during the consultation if you suffer from extenuating health conditions.
Dental Implants in Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California
Dental implants can be a permanent solution for your missing or lost teeth. Even though some conditions that could keep you from having the procedure, your San Francisco dentists at Glen Park Dental will guide you to the best solution for your oral health. If you have questions about dental implants or would like to schedule an exam to see if dental implants are right for you, feel free to call our office at (415) 585-1500 or request a consultation online.
