Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium post designed to replace missing teeth. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing, and provides a more permanent solution.
At A Great Smile Arizona, we are experts in the placement of dental implants in Tempe, AZ. Even if you think you may not be a suitable candidate, we have a range of solutions to suit your circumstances and will be happy to give you a thorough assessment of the options available to you.
Why Dental Implants?
After losing a tooth or having one extracted, it’s important to consider all your replacement options. Dental implants can restore the functionality of your bite and improve your overall oral health. As one of the most secure and long-lasting tooth replacement options available, dental implants act as a natural part of your smile and replace that missing tooth you’ve been hiding. Read more on the benefits of dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
1. UNPARALLELED COMFORT - Implants function and feel just like natural teeth so you can brush, floss, and eat normally.
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2. NATURAL LOOK - Your implant will be crafted to fit seamlessly with your smile and will look exactly like a real tooth.
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3. PRESERVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH - Implants are made of biocompatible titanium which fuses to your jaw, thus preventing bone deterioration associated with tooth loss.
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4. LONG LASTING - Unlike dentures which require replacements, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime.
The Implant Process
1. PLACEMENT - Once you’ve been approved for treatment, your Tempe dentist will schedule your oral surgery appointment and provide a surgical plan. During the surgery, your doctor will make an incision in your gum tissue to securely place a dental implant in the jaw. Next, the area will be cleaned and sutures will be placed to begin the healing process.
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2. HEALING & OSSEOINTEGRATION - Your gums and jawbone will begin to heal once your implant has been placed. After 1-2 weeks, the incision site will be healed, but it will take 3-6 months for the implant to permanently bond with your jaw bone through a process called osseointegration. To ensure you are healing properly, we will see you for a couple of check ups during the osseointegration process.
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3. APPLYING THE RESTORATION - The final step in the implant treatment process is the restoration. Your restoration, or prosthetic dental crown, will be custom crafted to match your smile and securely affixed to the titanium implant. Once your new tooth is in place, your smile will be complete!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get An Implant In One Day?
In some cases, you may be able to get an implant in just one day, depending on the type of implant you will be receiving. In these cases, the restoration your doctor provides will be a temporary appliance to keep your tooth healthy and functional until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. With your temporary restoration, you’ll be able to speak and eat normally during the healing process.
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Your doctor will schedule a series of follow-up appointments to track your healing process and take impressions or models of your teeth. These will help the lab create your custom-made restoration. Your permanent restoration will be durable and more natural-looking than your temporaries. We recommend coming in for a consultation to see what type of dental implant might work best for you.
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Do Dental Implants Stop Bone Loss?
Yes. After losing a tooth, your jaw will no longer be stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting. This causes bone loss to occur and also weakens the jaw bone.
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When the dental implant post is placed, it will bond directly into the jaw bone and act as an artificial tooth root. This titanium “tooth root” transmits the force of chewing and biting through the dental crown and into your jaw bone just like a real tooth would, keeping it healthy and strong.
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How Long Will My Dental Implant Last?
When placed properly and maintained with care, dental implants can last for 30 years or more. In fact, It’s quite common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
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The implant restoration, however, may not last as long. Restorations such as dental crowns or overdentures take on regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more. After time, the restoration may need to be replaced to keep your smile healthy and functional. By coming in for regular exams, your dentist can check to ensure your restoration is in good condition.
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Can My Dental Implant Be Infected?
Yes, dental implants can become infected, but this is a very rare complication. This type of infection is known as “peri-implantitis,” and usually only occurs if the implant is not kept clean or is not properly cared for after surgery.
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Follow your doctor’s instructions while recovering, and be sure to brush and floss regularly after your implant has healed to avoid peri-implantitis and maintain a healthy implant.
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How Are Dental Implants Made?
Titanium dental implants are made in trusted laboratories that supply a wide selection of pre-selected standard post sizes. The restoration, on the other hand, is a custom-made appliance. This ensures each patient gets a result that meets their exact needs. Your doctor will either make your dental implant in-house using a milling machine, or they will send detailed impressions or models to a partner lab.
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This lab will create a long-lasting, resilient dental implant restoration just for you. Most crowns are crafted out of porcelain which is durable and looks uniquely similar to tooth enamel. Once the crown is ready, the lab will send it back to our office, and we will complete the procedure by securely attaching your implant crown in place.
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What Are All-On-4 (aka All-On-X Implants)?
All-on-4 implants are great for patients who are looking to replace an entire arch of teeth. By using just 4-6 implants, your entire upper or lower set of teeth can be replaced in as little as one appointment. All-on-4 is more permanent and natural-looking than dentures, and usually costs less than replacing each tooth individually.
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What Is A Single Tooth Implant?
Single tooth implants are the most-frequently used dental implant and are made up of two main parts. The first is the dental implant, which is a titanium rod with a screw-like shape. The second part is the dental crown, or restoration, which will be attached to the titanium rod. This dental crown reinstates the shape, function, and appearance of your natural tooth. Unlike a partial denture, single-tooth implants are extremely durable and never move or shift.