Dental Implants Specialist
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Pinole Family Dental
Family Dentists located in Pinole, CA
If you have a missing or damaged tooth, you might need a dental implant. Dr. Mandi Chhina and Dr. Marc Chhina of Pinole Family Dental can surgically implant prosthetic teeth, and once secure, they will look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. If you're ready to reclaim your smile, book an appointment at their practice in Pinole, California today.
Dental Implants Q & A
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal post, usually made of titanium, that Dr. Mandi and Dr. Marc surgically install into the jawbone underneath your gums. The post is a fixed, permanent foundation that functions as a tooth root. Once secure, the dentist will mount a replacement tooth on top of the post.
Dental implants are stand-alone, meaning they don't have to be anchored to other teeth. Since these implants are stable and permanent, they provide a strong foundation for either permanent or removable teeth that are made to resemble your natural teeth perfectly.
Why would I need a dental implant?
Dentists use implants to replace single teeth, multiple teeth, or even all of your teeth. The goal of tooth replacement is to make sure the patient has natural looking teeth, but also to restore tooth function for chewing and speaking.
When you visit Pinole Family Dental and have missing teeth, either Dr. Marc or Dr. Mandi will perform a detailed examination and clinical assessment to consider all of those factors when determining how best to replace your missing tooth or teeth.
However, there are other factors that they must attend to when determining your candidacy for dental implants.
Who's a good candidate for dental implants?
Dr. Marc and Dr. Mandi check two things: First, that your gums are healthy, and second, that you have a healthy jawbone. If you’ve recently had a tooth pulled or have had oral surgery, and you’re overall healthy, you’re likely a good candidate for an implant.
What if I'm not a good candidate for dental implants?
Patients with specific disorders may not be suitable candidates, so Dr. Marc and Dr. Mandi evaluate them on a case-by-case basis.
Some patients have an insufficient amount of jawbone, which would typically preclude them from getting an implant. In that case, Dr. Marc and Mandi might recommend a bone graft for patients with a very thin or soft jaw bone. Other problems that might affect your candidacy include:
- Being a heavy smoker
- Having diabetes or heart disease
- Being a cancer patient
- Having sinus cavities that are too close to the jaw
If any of these issues are present, Dr. Marc and Mandi can recommend treatments and procedures that will either make you a viable candidate for dental implants or suggest a different tooth replacement method.
