There are oh so many new terms you will begin to learn as you delve into the world not only of prosthetics for missing teeth but also specifically for dental implants and restorations. When it comes to the very basics of your solutions for giving yourself a new “tooth” where one once resided, even these foundational elements can cause a little bit of confusion (which then makes figuring out what you really want somewhat harder to do). Let our Santa Rosa, CA team get started today by clearing up just what we mean when we talk about “fixed” solutions for your tooth loss.
Dental Posts: Let’s Talk About The Basics!
When you hear the term dental implant, what type of image do you pull up in your mind? Are you thinking about the entirety of the tooth replacement you have been thinking about choosing for yourself? If so, you are like many patients who hear about implants and visualize a complete replacement tooth from the very base of one’s roots to the tip of the crown. We understand, as speaking about “implants” is often used as a blanket term to talk about dental posts and the restorations they support. However, of course, the implant itself is just the post! While you may understand this, do you really know just how much that post can do for you? Let our Santa Rosa, CA team review some of the interesting details, so you have a full appreciation for their function.
Turning The Tables: You Are The One Interviewing Us!
We know that when you’re taking the time to think over dental implants for your smile, there’s a small part of you that feels a little shaky about the whole thing. You know that when you come in to talk with us, we’re going to ask you a bunch of questions about your smile, your needs, your oral health, your health history, whether you smoke, and more! Of course, we ask you questions because we need to determine where you are in your candidacy (and if you need any help becoming an excellent candidate, which is entirely possible). To help you feel a bit less nervous about this introductory part of your experience, our Rohnert Park, CA team encourages you to think about it this way: Remember that as much as we are interviewing you, you are also interviewing us. Take a moment to consider the details.
Conflicted About Implants: When You Think You’re Short On Something
There are many reasons that our patients assume they will not qualify for dental implants. Some assume it’s just not for them. Some figure their smiles aren’t healthy enough. Over the years at our Santa Rosa, CA practice, we have also found that many patients think they are “short” on something, meaning that they do not have an adequate supply of something they consider essential for choosing implants. While it’s possible that this is true, we usually discover that as patients learn more about the options they have, they discover they are actually well prepared for this tooth replacement treatment! It’s just a matter of personalizing it. Learn more.
Choosing Fixed Implant Dentures: Are Implants And Crowns Better?
When you’re selecting dental implants for yourself and you’re sorting out which solution is best, it’s important to remember that when throwing around the term “best” it’s all about what works for you. There is no better or best from one prosthetic restoration to another. There is only “better for you” in terms of what your needs, preferences, and wants are. So, why do you feel like implants plus crowns are where it’s at? What might be your reason for leaning toward fixed implant dentures over other options? Let’s talk it out! Come in to see our Santa Rosa, CA team as soon as you can if you’re ready to talk implants. For now, some introductory details on the topic will get you started.
Your Oral Surgeon Says: Don’t “Beat Yourself Up” Over Tooth Loss!
As if trying to figure out what to do after tooth loss isn’t complicated enough from the get-go, the last thing you want to do is to guide yourself down a path of negativity! The exploratory adventure of figuring out what to do next is something that can be full of excitement and anticipation, rather than frustration, guilt, and upset! Your oral surgeon suggests that you consider our Rohnert Park, CA practice’s mindset regarding replacing your missing teeth with us (as you think about what makes taking an optimistic approach to the future of your smile your best choice yet)!
Full Tooth Loss? Consider A Fixed Hybrid Denture.
If your current situation includes facing full tooth loss for one arch of your smile or both and wondering what to do about it, our Santa Rosa, CA team has some thoughts for you. First, realize you probably have more options available to you than the amount of options you’ve been assuming you have. So, before you allow even the tiniest drop of defeatism to creep into your thoughts, take heart: From crowns and implants to a fixed hybrid denture, your complete-again smile is not as far off as you might be thinking!
A Comprehensive Approach To Implant Planning
Sometimes, you lose a tooth or have one extracted, we plan for it, place the implant, you go through the whole process, and you’re good as new! In other cases, there are some details that make the journey slightly more complex. You may have a lot of questions for us. You may feel wonderful about choosing dental implants from our Santa Rosa, CA practice but you may find yourself wondering about the big picture factors. In such instances, we may suggest a somewhat different comprehensive approach to planning your teeth replacements with a CBCT scan.
Hydration: Surprises You Didn’t See Coming
We have talked before about the importance of keeping your smile nice and safe by ensuring you’re hydrated. This, of course, means drinking enough water every day. However, there’s more to it than that! If you’re not sure about how to stay hydrated or if you’re putting yourself into situations that aren’t what you’re used to, then you may end up with dryness that can affect your oral health, including your dental implants and more, over time. So, take a moment to run through your Santa Rosa, CA oral surgeon’s general suggestions for getting through summer and beyond with a moist, comfortable, and healthy smile!
Wedding Time: What Is Your Wish For Your Smile?
When you’re about to experience your own wonderful wedding, if you’re about to enjoy the honor of mother or father of the bride, or even if you’re simply attending a loved one’s nuptials, there’s one thing that is always a constant: You want your smile to look beautiful. For those dealing with tooth loss in any way (perhaps you have not treated the spaces yet or you have but you are unhappy with the results), it can quickly feel like you’ll never be able to get to that lovely smile you wish you could see in your reflection. We know that emotions can run high when you’ve got a big event on the horizon! Fortunately, our Santa Rosa, CA oral surgeons can help.