Choosing dental implants is no small matter. With the right care and oral hygiene practices, they can be a lifetime investment. Dental implants are definitely something you’ll want to research in advance and talk about extensively with your dentist. You should never rush into any decision that could affect your health and the well-being of your smile for years to come. 

With that in mind, if you’re just considering dental implants for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, when is the right time to get them? What types of implants are available? How do they each differ? Which one is the right choice for your mouth? Finally, where can you find the best dental implants in Chico, California?

In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get started!

When to Consider Dental Implants

Technically, if you’re missing at least one tooth, dental implants are an option. However, this doesn’t mean that every person missing one or more teeth should get them. You’ll need to consult with your dentist to ensure that your jawbone is fully developed (this generally occurs by the age of 18, but it can vary from person to person). Additionally, you’ll need to consider if there are alternatives that might make more sense for your mouth and your smile. In any case, here are some signs that it may be a good time to consider dental implants:

• You have one or more missing teeth that are negatively impacting your confidence, your ability to chew, or your ability to speak
• You have tried dentures and were dissatisfied with the results
• You’re worried about potential bone loss in the future that could disqualify you from dental implants
• You have severe tooth decay that cannot be addressed with a standard crown
• You generally have a strong jawbone and healthy gums

There’s no perfect time to consider dental implants, but you’ll generally want to think about how tooth loss or decay is affecting your well-being. If you feel a lack of confidence due to tooth loss, or you’re even having trouble speaking or chewing, then you should consult a dentist as soon as possible to discuss implants. Just keep in mind that your dentist will need to examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. 

Types of Dental Implants

Since there are so many variables when it comes to tooth decay and tooth loss, there are different types of dental implants to accommodate unique needs and circumstances. Here are the two most common types of implants:

• Endosteal Implants - A prosthetic tooth set on top of a screw-shaped implant that is surgically placed into the jawbone.
• Subperiosteal Implants - A prosthetic tooth that is placed on top of a post that penetrates the gum but does not go into the jawbone.

These types of implants can be further sub-categorized based on the number of teeth being replaced:

• Single Implants - An implant and tooth prosthesis for a single tooth. 
• Multiple Implants - One or more implants and multiple prostheses to replace multiple teeth. 
• Full Mouth Implants - Multiple implants to replace at least 8 missing teeth. This is common among people who have no teeth or very few healthy teeth. 

Choosing the Best Dental Implants For You

Have you experienced tooth loss that has left you feeling less confident? Do you want to return to a full, bright smile? Are you looking for a dental clinic that specializes in dental implants? If so, New Smile Now is here to help. Our experts have years of experience helping patients transform their smiles with the best implants for their needs. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!