Dental Implant Placement
Tempe, AZ
 Tooth loss is common among adults and it may occur due to an infection, decay of tooth, or perhaps injuries. In the past, people who wanted to replace missing teeth relied on dentures and bridges. However, today, dental implants have become the standard procedure for tooth replacement in restorative dentistry. These dental restorations utilize metal posts that are anchored into the jawbone, helping hold and support the artificial teeth. At A Great Smile Arizona, Dr. Mike installs dental implants to help you regain your bite, enhance your oral health, and restore your smile and improve your appearance. Dental implants offer a firm foundation for both fixed and removable teeth.
The Candidacy for Dental Implants
In a majority of cases, if your health is good enough to undertake oral surgery or even tooth extraction, you will most likely qualify for dental implants. Before our dental team performs a dental implant surgery, we will examine your oral health. You need to have the desired bone volume and mass to be able to receive the implants.
Your gums should be healthy and able to hold the dental implants. You also should commit yourself to maintain good oral hygiene. Habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can deter you from receiving implants. As a result, we ask you to stop these habits to ensure a successful implantation procedure. Additionally, we will evaluate you for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease because these need to be under control before you can safely get dental implants.
Dental Implant Procedure
It takes several months to receive dental implants because your gums and bone need to heal first. Some people seeking dental implants may have a problem with a tooth, which means that our dentist has to pull it out. Oftentimes, during the tooth extraction, you may receive another procedure such as bone grafting to help preserve the jawbone. This ensures that by the time you come back for the implantation process, you have adequate jawbone.
In the implantation phase, the dentist places a titanium screw, which is inserted and anchored to the jaw. The dentist will then allow the implant to integrate with the jaw, in what is known as osseointegration. This fusing of the implants with the jawbone takes about three to six months. You will need to visit our dental office to have the permanent artificial teeth placed. You will receive temporary teeth that help protect your mouth and allow you to chew food while waiting for your permanent artificial teeth. A dental implant procedure will require anesthesia so that you stay comfortable.
Caring for Dental Implants
It is crucial that you take good care of your dental implants. In the first week, you may experience some minimal pain and soreness, so the dentist will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. You should be conscious about the foods you eat. Consider eating soft foods as they help prevent causing injury to the wound.
In addition, you need to reduce the level of exercise you do for about a week following the surgery. Our dentist will offer you instructions on how to care for your implants. Proper oral hygiene is paramount to keep the gums and teeth healthy and protect the artificial teeth. Brush two times a day and floss at least once a day. You also want to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to combat bacteria.
Dental Implant Replacement
Dental implants can last up to a lifetime. Sometimes, however, they do need to be replaced. This can happen if they are worn out or start to cause issues. If you have undergone a dental implant surgery in the past and want to replace the implant, you can get in touch with our team at A Great Smile Arizona. Our professionals will take a close look at your dental implants and make all of the necessary arrangements so that you can experience a stress-free dental implant replacement surgery at our office.
When Do you Need Dental Implant Replacement?
A dental implant replacement procedure becomes a necessity if the implants become damaged, loose, fall out, or become infected. This is very rare, and would likely only occur after having the dental implants for several years. These issues are usually diagnosed in a routine dental checkup. If something is found, a dental implant replacement procedure can be scheduled after a detailed assessment of any damage caused by the implant.
Replacing a Dental Implant
Replacing a dental implant is a relatively easy and safe process. The first step of this procedure is the removal of the existing damaged implant. This procedure takes a lot of time because sometimes the implants become fully integrated with the bone. Thus, a conservative procedure may be required. Further, the site of the replacement needs to be healed to be ready for the replacement surgery. This procedure is best performed with the latest implantology techniques.
Dental implant failures are generally of two types: early-stage failure and late-stage failure. Early stage implant failures occur within a few months of the procedure and are usually very easy to remove, whereas a late-stage failure is when something goes wrong a year or more after the implant. At this stage, the replacement becomes more complex because as mentioned, the implant is mostly fully integrated with the bone.
Factors That Determine the Lifespan of a Dental Implant
Several factors decide the lifespan of an implant. To start, good oral hygiene is the key to long-lasting dental implants. Simple habits such as brushing and flossing twice a day and regular visits to the dentist can increase their lifespan.
When done correctly, a dental implant lasts for a long time. The skills of our professionals play a large role in this. All the subtleties related to the procedure like implant placement, osseointegration progress, and the fusion of the jawbone with the implant are taken care of during this procedure to ensure better outcomes.
The location of the implant is also a crucial factor. Implants at the back of the mouth fail more often than those placed in the front. This is because of the difference in the pressure experienced by the tooth daily. It is a rarity that they need replacement. Visit us at A Great Smile Arizona for dental implant placement, or if you are in need of a dental implant replacement. Call us today at (480)672-0007
to schedule your appointment. |
