Dental Implants

Dental Implants

If you, like more than half of today's population, are missing one or more teeth, consider replacing them with dental implants. Dental implants have a natural look, feel, and function which make them the most comfortable and attractive replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants can also help to make other tooth replacement options, such as dentures, more effective and comfortable. You may even be able to have missing teeth replaced in one day with My Smile Today solutions at AZ Max.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants we invite you to see us for a free consultation.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that serves as a tooth root replacement. An implant is placed in the space where a natural tooth root used to be and then bonds with the surrounding bone, providing a stable and strong support for a replacement tooth crown, which is attached to the implant by an abutment (see image below). Because dental implants replicate the look and function of natural teeth more closely than any other form of tooth replacement available, they are the ideal choice for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants are proven to be a long-term solution to missing teeth. Many implants that were placed in patients 30 years ago or more are still in place. The technology behind implants hasso much since the first implants were developed over 40 years ago that many modern implant patients can expect their new teeth to last considerably longer - even the rest of their lives.

Dental Implants vs. Fixed Bridges

Patients who choose dental implants can avoid the problems typically associated with other tooth replacement options like bridges and removable dentures. With a bridge, the replacement crown is supported by the adjacent teeth, which must be ground down for the bridge to be placed. Teeth that support a bridge have a significantly increased chance of failure due to tooth decay. Many bridges need to be replaced within five to seven years of being placed. Dental implants never decay and they eliminate the need to affect adjacent teeth. Unlike a bridge, dental implants also allow for regular flossing and brushing.

Dental Implants vs. Removable Dentures

Removable dentures often slip and make clicking sounds,causing discomfort and embarrassment when eating and speaking. Removable dentures can severely limit the kinds of foods you are able to eat, which may negatively impact your quality of life and even your nutrition. Without teeth, the jaw bone deteriorates and may no longer support facial features in the same way. Removable dentures can accelerate this bone loss and contribute to a look of premature aging in the face.

Dentures held in place by dental implants can free you from the negative effects of conventional dentures, preventing bone loss and freeing you to eat the foods you once loved. And, fixed dentures fit comfortably and securely in your mouth, eliminating slippage and embarrassing clicking noises. Your dentures will no longer be obvious to anyone - perhaps even you!

Who Actually Performs the Implant Placement?

Implants are a team effort between an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Restorative Dentist. While the surgeon performs the actual implant surgery, and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, the restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.

What Types of Prostheses are Available?

A single prosthesis (crown) is used to replace one missing tooth – each prosthetic tooth attaches to its own implant. A partial prosthesis (fixed bridge) can replace two or more teeth and may require only two or three implants. A complete dental prosthesis (fixed denture) replaces all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The number of implants varies depending upon which type of complete prosthesis (removable or fixed) is recommended. A removable prosthesis (over denture) attaches to a bar or ball in socket attachments, whereas a fixed prosthesis is permanent and removable only by the dentist.

We perform in-office implant surgery in a hospital-style operating suite, thus optimizing the level of sterility. In-patient hospital implant surgery is for patients who have special medical or anesthetic needs or for those who need extensive bone grafting from the jaw, hip or tibia.

Why Dental Implants?

Once you learn about dental implants, you will realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth – whether it's a new situation or something you have lived with for years – chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.

Dental Implants Can be Your Doorway to Renewed Self-Confidence and Peace of Mind

A Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, developed this concept for oral rehabilitation more than thirty-five years ago. With his pioneering research, Dr. Branemark opened the door to a lifetime of renewed comfort and self-confidence for millions of individuals facing the frustration and embarrassment of tooth loss.

Why Would You Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types of Restorations?

There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention that dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are considering implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly and your medical and dental history reviewed. If you mouth is not ideal for implants, ways of improving outcome, such as bone grafting, may be recommended.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

The majority of dental implants and bone grafts are performed in the office while you are comfortably asleep under a combination of general and local anesthesia. In some cases, a patient may remain awake under local anesthesia only.

Do Dental Implants Need Special Care?

Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists.

For more information call 480-830-5866 and speak with a Patient Care Specialist.