Consultation for Dental Implants in Santa Ana, CA

Meet With Us Today To Discuss Your Options!

The Implant Consultation

Getting dental implants in Santa Ana, CA with implant specialists, Dr. Todd E. Miller and Dr. Steven J. Bounds, is often the preferred way to replace missing teeth. Most patients are great candidates for dental implant procedures, although there are some issues we may need to consider first during your consultation with us. 

Dental Implant Placement Surgery Schedule Your Implant Consultation

Issues Affecting Dental Implant Success

• Bridges and Dentures
• Bone density and jaw bone grafting
• Existing health problems
• The presence of gum disease
• Smoking

Your Dental Implant Consultation

Advances in dental implant technology are allowing us to replace missing teeth in a variety of innovative ways. Dentures and bridges can be stabilized with just a few dental implants. Implants can also be used to fill the space left by a single missing tooth or placed at several sites to create a brand new smile.

A dental implant exam and consultation with Dr. Miller and Dr. Bounds will determine which approach fits your needs best. Most patients find they are great candidates for a dental implant procedure but there are a few factors that we need to consider before we get started.

Bone Density and Jaw Bone Grafting

Bone loss is one of the most common consequences of missing teeth, especially teeth that have been gone for a long time. Once teeth are lost, the jaw bone loses the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. The longer teeth are missing, the greater the risk of bone loss.

Dental implants are an excellent remedy for bone loss because they mimic real tooth roots. But they need sufficient bone to start, which is why we recommend patients with missing teeth replace them as soon as possible with implants. If significant bone loss is present, we can still address it with jaw bone grafting. A jaw bone grafting procedure will increase bone density using extracted bone material from another area, usually the chin.

Dentures and Bridges

If you are already wearing conventional dental appliances, Dr. Miller and Dr. Bounds may discuss the possibility of stabilizing them with dental implants, which will provide better jaw bone support, fit, and function.

Gum Disease and Other Health Problems

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. If gum disease is present, we will need to treat it before implant surgery. Also, health problems elsewhere in the body may preclude you from having implant surgery, although it is rare. Be sure to tell us if you have any existing medical conditions during your consultation.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke can be very damaging to oral tissue and it causes cancer. Smoking can also impact the success of your dental implants. If you smoke, please let us know so we can discuss your options.

Getting dental implants in Santa Ana, CA with implant specialists, Dr. Miller and Dr. Bounds, is the favored way to replace missing teeth. Call now for your consultation!