Are You a Good Candidate for Full-Arch Implants in Glendale? A Simple Checklist
If you have been living with the daily frustrations of missing teeth or dentures that just won’t stay put, you may have wondered if there is a better, more permanent solution. The answer for many is full-arch dental implants, a truly life-changing treatment that can restore your smile, your confidence, and your ability to enjoy your favorite foods. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, we specialize in helping patients rediscover the joy of a healthy, stable smile with advanced solutions like All-on-4 implants.But this leads to the most important first question: “Am I a good candidate for this treatment?” The great news is that with modern technology and techniques, more people than ever before are eligible for full-arch implants. This simple checklist will help you understand what our Glendale team looks for during your evaluation and whether this permanent solution might be the right fit for you.What Full-Arch Dental Implants Actually Do
Before we dive into candidacy, it’s helpful to understand what full-arch dental implants are and how they work. This treatment is a complete and fixed solution designed for patients who are missing most or all of the teeth in their upper or lower jaw. Instead of replacing each tooth with an individual implant, this innovative method uses just four to six strategically placed titanium posts to securely anchor a full, custom-made bridge of teeth.This powerful design, which includes popular treatments like All-on-4 implants in Glendale, creates a permanent foundation that is fused directly to your jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on the gums and can slip or cause sores, an implant-supported arch does not move. For patients all across Glendale, Montrose, and La Crescenta, the benefits are clear and profound. Full-arch implants:- Feel, function, and look like natural teeth.
- Prevent the jawbone loss that occurs after teeth are lost.
- Allow you to eat, speak, and laugh with complete confidence.
- Eliminate the need for messy adhesives or nightly removal.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Full-Arch Implants?
While most healthy adults can be considered for dental implants, a full-arch restoration is a significant procedure that requires careful planning. The good news is that even if you believe you have issues that might disqualify you, such as bone loss, our experienced implant dentist in Glendale can often create a customized pathway to success. Long-term success depends on a few key factors that we evaluate at your first visit.1. You’re Missing Most or All of Your Teeth
Full-arch implants are specifically designed for individuals with extensive tooth loss. If you are currently wearing a full or partial denture and are tired of the daily hassles—the slipping, the dietary restrictions, the sore spots—you are a prime candidate. This solution is also ideal for those who have multiple failing or broken-down teeth and are facing the prospect of losing them all. It provides a comprehensive, single-treatment solution to restore your entire smile at once, ending the cycle of patchwork dentistry.2. You Have Healthy Gums and Stable Bone
Dental implants need a healthy environment to thrive. Active, untreated gum disease (periodontitis) must be addressed before implant surgery, as the infection can compromise the implant’s ability to fuse with the bone. We will perform a thorough gum health evaluation and, if needed, provide treatment to get your gums in great shape first.Sufficient jawbone is also critical. Implants need a certain height and width of bone to be securely anchored. For patients who have been missing teeth for many years, some bone loss is expected. However, this does not automatically disqualify you. We use advanced 3D imaging to assess your bone density for implants, and in many cases, minor to moderate bone loss can be corrected with a bone grafting procedure, making you a strong candidate once again.3. You’re in Good Overall Health
Your body’s ability to heal is a key factor in the success of dental implants. During your consultation, we will review your medical history in detail. Certain chronic health conditions, if not well-managed, can affect healing. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Similarly, heavy smoking can restrict blood flow to the gums and bone, hindering the implant’s ability to integrate. However, being a smoker or having diabetes does not mean you cannot get implants. It simply means we will work with you and your physician to ensure your condition is stable and under control before proceeding, creating a plan that maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.4. You’re Ready for a Lasting, Fixed Solution
Full-arch implants are not a temporary fix; they are a long-term investment in your health and quality of life. As such, ideal candidates are those who are committed to maintaining their new smile. While the implant bridge itself is not susceptible to cavities, the underlying gums and bone still need care. This means a commitment to excellent daily oral hygiene—including special brushing and flossing techniques we will teach you—and attending regular professional cleanings and check-ups. If you are looking for a permanent, “get it and forget it” feeling compared to removable dentures, full-arch implants are likely the right choice for you.When Bone Grafting or a Sinus Lift Might Be Needed
One of the most common concerns we hear from patients is, “What if I don’t have enough bone?” It’s a valid question, especially for those who have worn dentures for years or had teeth extracted long ago. The great news is that a lack of bone is rarely a permanent barrier to getting dental implants. We have highly predictable procedures to rebuild the jawbone where it has been lost.A bone graft is a procedure where we add bone or a bone-like material to your jaw to increase its width or height. A sinus lift is a specific type of bone graft performed on the upper jaw to create enough room for implants below the sinus cavity. While this may sound intimidating, these are routine and highly successful procedures. Our approach is always reassuring and gentle. We view a bone graft not as a problem, but as a proactive step to build a stronger, more reliable foundation for your implants, ensuring they will be stable for decades to come.How We Evaluate Bone Density
Guesswork has no place in modern implant dentistry. To determine if you need a bone graft, we use state-of-the-art 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) at our Glendale office. This incredible technology provides us with a crystal-clear, three-dimensional image of your jaw. In just a few seconds, we can see the exact height, width, and density of your bone. This allows us to plan your surgery with surgical precision, identify the best possible locations for your implants, and determine definitively if a graft is needed to ensure a successful outcome.Glendale Patient Profiles That Often Qualify for Full-Arch Implants
Sometimes, the best way to see if you’re a candidate is to see yourself in the stories of others. We help patients from all walks of life in and around Glendale achieve their dream smile with full-arch implants.- The Retiree in Montrose Tired of Loose Dentures: We often see patients who have worn dentures for 10, 20, or even 30 years. They are frustrated with the constant need for adhesives, the embarrassing moments when their teeth slip while talking, and their inability to enjoy foods like steak or fresh apples. For them, All-on-4 is not just about a new smile; it’s about reclaiming a huge part of their social life and daily enjoyment.
- The Working Professional in Burbank with Failing Teeth: A person in their 40s or 50s who has dealt with years of dental problems—multiple root canals, failing crowns, and recent extractions—is an ideal candidate. They are often looking for a comprehensive solution to end the cycle of constant dental appointments for missing teeth and full mouth implants. A full-arch restoration gives them a clean slate and a permanent, worry-free smile they can count on.
- The Glendale Resident Ready to Upgrade from Partials: Someone who has worn a partial denture for years often finds that more teeth begin to fail, and they are facing the prospect of a full denture. They are a perfect candidate to transition directly to a fixed, implant-supported solution, skipping the discomfort and instability of a full removable plate altogether.
What Happens During Your Candidacy Evaluation
Your first step on this journey is a comprehensive consultation at our Glendale office. This appointment is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation where we focus on you, your concerns, and your goals. Here’s what you can expect:- A Comprehensive Exam and Digital 3D Scan: We will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This will be followed by a quick and painless 3D CBCT scan, which gives us all the information we need about your underlying bone structure.
- A Review of Your Health History and Smile Goals: We will sit down with you to discuss your medical history and, most importantly, listen to what you want to achieve with your new smile. Are you looking for better function, improved aesthetics, or simply more confidence?
- A Personalized Treatment Plan and Timeline: With all this information, we will create a customized treatment plan just for you. We will explain your options, tell you if you are a candidate for immediate treatment or if preliminary steps like bone grafting are recommended, and provide a clear timeline and transparent cost breakdown. Our goal is for you to leave with all your questions answered, feeling fully informed and confident about your path forward.
Why Glendale Patients Choose Infinite Dental Wellness
Get Your Confident Smile — Book Today
Ready when you are. Our team at Infinite Dental Wellness makes scheduling a breeze and welcomes new patients for cleanings, cosmetic care, or dental emergencies.
Schedule a Visit- Experienced Implant Team: Our dentists have extensive training and experience in all aspects of implant surgery and restoration, from single implants to complex full-arch cases.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize 3D imaging and digitally guided surgery for maximum precision and minimally invasive procedures. This means more predictable results and a smoother, faster recovery for you.
- A Focus on Your Comfort: We understand dental anxiety is real. We offer compassionate care and sedation options to ensure your experience is calm and comfortable from start to finish.
- Flexible Financial Options: We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile. We are proud to accept many PPO insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make treatment accessible.
- Local Convenience and Trust: Our practice is built on relationships. We are a trusted part of the local community, providing world-class care right here in Glendale.
