Dental Implants for Phoenix Residents
Tooth Replacement Options
Are missing teeth standing between you and a healthier, happier smile? At Smile Fitness Dental Center, we offer a strong and beautiful alternative to other restorative options like bridges, partials or full dentures. They’re called dental implants.
With dental implants, our patients will see improvements in their smiles and their overall well being. A complete dental implant procedure will also restore the look, feel and function of your smile. This is thanks to the titanium anchor that will attach your replacement tooth to the jawbone. It’s even possible for dental implants to anchor a bridge, partial or full denture to eliminate slipping.
Every patient interested in dental implants should first come in for an evaluation appointment. Your exam will include a traditional exam and preliminary X-rays. After completing a thorough exam, our dentists can tell you whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. To be a candidate, patients have to have an adequate bone structure for placement.
Here’s what you can expect if dental implants are right for you. In the first stage of your procedure, a titanium post will be placed in your jawbone. How many posts you receive will depend on how many teeth you’re replacing. A single tooth gets a single post, while a partial or full denture will require multiple posts.
After this stage, nature will take its course. Over a period of time, your bone will fuse with your titanium post and create a solid, natural foundation for your new smile. When the bond is strong enough, you’ll return to our office to have your new tooth (or teeth) attached. Your entire implant procedure, from the examination phase to the implant placement and restoration, will all be done under one roof with the dental team you know and trust.
Once the dental implants are secured and your mouth has healed, your restorative dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restoration will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile.
By imitating an entire natural tooth from the root up, dental implants offer a prosthetic that closely mimics nature. The result! Dental implant patients enjoy restored function, which allows a healthy diet of hard to chew foods. Speech may also improve. Your new smile will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance and improve your quality of life.
Implant Retained Dentures
Patients with more advanced tooth loss may want to consider an implant retained partial or full denture. Just like removable prosthetics, the implant varieties use a gum colored base to support numerous replacement teeth. Dental implants make it possible for us to anchor these advanced restorations in a more natural way for improved function.
Learn More About Implant Retained Dentures
Frequently Asked Questions – Dental Implants
At Smile Fitness Dental Centers, our team of professionals have been helping patients achieve fully restored smiles for years. By offering dental implants as an alternative solution to traditional tooth replacement methods, patients are seeing greater functionality and longer-lasting restorations. If you are considering dental implants to replace your own missing teeth, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you in making your decision. Should you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are composed of various parts that make up the entire structure. First, there is the implant itself, which is made of titanium and looks like a screw post. Surgically placed into your jawbone, it mimics the natural tooth root, helping to stimulate the bone and prevent weakening or deterioration. Next is the abutment, which is the small appliance that works to connect the implant to the custom restoration. Finally, the visible portion of the dental implant is the dental crown, implant bridge, or implant-retained denture. Each restoration is custom-made to match the size, color, and shape of your natural teeth, so you have a seamlessly blended smile.
How long do dental implants last?
Depending on how well you take care of your implants, they can last decades or even a lifetime. One of the greatest benefits of this type of tooth replacement is its longevity. Patients do not have to worry about frequent replacements over the years because of its strength, durability, and permanence.
Unfortunately, if you refuse to take proper care of your dental implants, it can mean a shortened lifespan for your restoration(s). Some of the ways you can extend their livelihood include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Flossing after every meal
- Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash
- Maintaining your regular six-month dental appointments
- Avoiding hard, crunchy foods, if possible
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
When meeting with one of our dentists for your initial consultation, they will take the time to fully examine your smile. During this process, they will evaluate:
- Your oral and overall health – Things such as tooth decay, gum disease, autoimmune disorders, or health-related conditions or diseases can hinder or prevent dental implant placement.
- The strength of your jawbone – Without a strong, durable jawbone, dental implants will have nothing to hold them up.
- Lifestyle habits – If you smoke or enjoy using tobacco products, it’s likely you will be unable to receive dental implants.
If for any reason they find a reason you are not eligible for dental implants, it’s possible they could still be in your future; however, you will need to make some changes. If your jawbone is weak, you can opt to have a bone grafting procedure performed to add extra bone to the weakened area. If you smoke, you will need to quit immediately. If you have gum disease or tooth decay, you will need to take care of these problems before moving forward with dental implants.
How much do dental implants cost?
Various factors are considered when determining an estimated cost for dental implants. Some of these factors include:
- Any necessary dental work that must be completed prior to implant placement
- Anesthesia/sedation
- The number of dental implants you’ll need to have placed
- The location of the implants
- Initial consultation
Because each patient is different and requires individualized attention, the cost will not be the same for everyone. It is best to discuss all the factors that will contribute to your overall cost and begin to determine how you will budget for this procedure.
Do dental implants ever fail?
Dental implant placement has a high success rate, but there are instances when they can fail. Patients who have autoimmune disorders or other health problems can have a weakened immune system that makes it much more difficult to heal and fight off any infection, should one arise. In addition, should an implant be placed incorrectly, it can wreak havoc on your bite, putting added pressure on your implant and ultimately causing it to fail.