How can we help you?
At Garden Island Dental, we value patient education and understanding, so we are always happy to answer your questions. Our team is highly knowledgeable and can assist you with any questions related to specific services, treatments, insurance, or financing. On this page, you'll find many of the questions our patients ask most frequently. If you don't find what you need here, please don't hesitate to call us at (808) 245-3582. We will be happy to assist you.
Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth is essential for maintaining long-term oral and overall health. The consequences of leaving gaps are more than aesthetic and can affect many aspects of your well-being.
Oral Health Consequences
- Leads to Bone Loss — Jawbone tissue requires pressure from chewing to maintain its density and structure. When you lose teeth, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation, creating a sunken or aged facial appearance over time.
- Puts Remaining Teeth at Risk — Bone loss weakens the foundation for remaining teeth, making them more vulnerable to shifting, loosening, and eventual loss.
- Causes Bite Problems — Adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space and create alignment issues that can lead to jaw pain and difficulty chewing.
Nutritional and Digestive Impact
- Difficulty Chewing — Missing teeth significantly impact your ability to chew properly, forcing your digestive system to work harder and potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues.
- Dietary Restrictions — The inability to comfortably eat nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins, can impact your overall wellness and quality of life.
Quality of Life Effects
- Social Confidence — With missing teeth, you may avoid social situations, cover your mouth when speaking or laughing, or feel self-conscious about your appearance.
- Professional Impact — Having missing teeth may limit job opportunities and make you feel awkward in professional interactions.
Reach Out to Our Lihue Dental Clinic
If you're considering tooth replacement options in Lihue, Kapaa, Koloa, Kalaheo, Princeville, or Waimea, call Garden Island Dental at (808) 245-3582 to discuss the best solution for your needs.
With a natural feel, unrivaled stability and durability, and a vital role in preserving jawbone density, dental implants are understandably the Gold Standard in tooth replacement. Unfortunately, however, not every patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants.
What Factors Influence Implant Candidacy?
An individual’s oral and overall health both factor into determining whether a patient can safely receive dental implants. Individuals who are strong dental implant candidates are those who:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are not currently suffering from gum disease
- Have jawbones strong enough to support implants
Also, after an implant is placed, patients must commit to a strong oral hygiene routine at home and a healthy, balanced diet rich in calcium, fiber, and whole grains to ensure longevity and effectiveness.
The best way to definitively know if dental implants are the right tooth replacement solution for you is through a thorough, personalized consultation and assessment by a qualified implant dentist. The more familiar they are with your medical and dental history, the better!
Precision Placed Dental Implants in Lihue, Kauai
If you’re in Lihue, Kauai, and looking for an experienced dental team to assess your dental implant candidacy and guide you through the process, from placement to aftercare, contact Dr. Chris Godla and the outstanding Garden Island Dental team to schedule a consultation.