Dental Implant Candidacy
The answer is almost always yes.
If you have been told you are not a candidate — because of bone loss, age, health conditions, or failed previous implants — we want to talk to you. Dr. Chris Winterholler has spent 28+ years finding solutions for patients everyone else turned away.
With 16,000+ implants placed and mastery of zygomatic, pterygoid, transnasal, and digital subperiosteal techniques, Dr. Chris can evaluate options that most providers simply don’t offer.
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A trusted dental implants provider in Scottsdale, Arizona
Dental Implant Candidacy
Most people are better candidates than they think.
The vast majority of patients who come to us — including many who have been turned away elsewhere — qualify for some form of dental implant treatment. The question is rarely “can you have implants” but rather “which implant approach is right for your specific anatomy.”
Dr. Chris evaluates each case individually using CBCT 3D imaging to see exactly what’s there — bone volume, density, sinus position, nerve location — and builds a plan from that reality, not from a standardized protocol.
"We plan every case with the end in mind. The implant serves the restoration. The restoration serves the patient's life."
What we evaluate
Four factors — none of which are automatic disqualifiers.
01 — Bone Volume
Insufficient bone is not a dead end.
Zygomatic implants (anchored in the cheekbone), pterygoid implants, transnasal implants, or digital subperiosteal implants all bypass the need for bone grafting. We evaluate your anatomy and find the right approach.
02 — Gum Health
Active disease is addressed first.
Active periodontal disease is treated before implant placement. Having had gum disease in the past does not disqualify you — we simply ensure the environment is healthy before proceeding.
03 — Overall Health
Most conditions can be managed.
Diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular conditions — these require careful planning and coordination with your physician but are rarely absolute disqualifiers. We review your full medical history and work with your care team.
04 — Previous Failures
Failed implants are a specialty.
Dr. Chris has comprehensive knowledge of virtually every implant system ever made. He evaluates, revises, and rescues failed cases from other providers — cases that many practices won’t touch.
Patients we specialize in
If you've been told no — get a second opinion here.
Severe bone loss
"Told I don't have enough bone."
Zygomatic, pterygoid, and transnasal implants bypass the jawbone entirely. A CBCT scan reveals exactly what options you have — options most providers can’t offer.
Failed implants
"My previous implants failed."
Implant failure has causes — and those causes can be identified and corrected. Dr. Chris knows virtually every implant system ever made and can rescue work that others won’t touch.
Long-term denture patients
"I've worn dentures for years."
Long-term denture wear causes progressive bone loss. The best time to evaluate implants is now. Many longtime denture patients are surprised to learn they qualify for the W-4.
When standard implants aren't enough
Advanced graftless techniques.
Zygomatic Implants
Anchored in the dense zygomatic cheekbone — no bone grafting required for the upper jaw.
Pterygoid Implants
Anchored in the dense pterygomaxillary region at the back of the upper jaw.
Transnasal Implants
Placed through the nasal cavity for anchorage when upper jaw bone is extremely limited.
Digital Subperiosteal Implants
Dr. Chris performed the first-ever digital subperiosteal implant in the US. Custom-fabricated frameworks that sit on top of the bone — ideal for minimal bone height.
Case Rescue & Revision
Comprehensive knowledge of virtually every implant system ever made. We evaluate and rebuild what others won’t touch.
Your free consultation
Here's what happens when you come in.
01
We listen to your history
Every provider you've seen, every treatment tried. We start there — not with a sales presentation.
02
On-site 3D CBCT imaging
Complete 3D picture of your bone, sinus, and nerve anatomy. No referrals, no waiting — done in office that day.
03
A real answer — that day
Dr. Chris reviews your scan and gives you an honest assessment of your options, what they involve, and what to realistically expect.
04
No pressure — ever
Private practice. No sales quotas, no financing pressure. You decide what's right for you and when.
Don't accept no without asking us first
Whatever you've been told — ask us first.
Consultations are always complimentary and always include a real conversation with Dr. Chris — not a coordinator. Bring your scans, your history, and your questions.
Scottsdale
13825 N Northsight Blvd, Suite 120
Mon–Thu 8–5 · Tue 7–5 · Fri 8–1
(480) 767-8400
Payson
315 E State Highway 260
Mon–Thu 8am – 5pm
(928) 474-2200