Did you know that the state of your mouth can affect your entire physical well-being? Just like the rest of your body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of which are generally harmless. However, as the single opening to your respiratory and digestive system, your mouth can pave the way for harmful bacteria into your internal organs. This is why oral hygiene is vital.

Dental Implants for Oral Hygiene

Dental implants are metal frames that are surgically placed in the jawbone beneath your gums, allowing your dentist to mount the replacement teeth over them.

Dental implants are your ideal choice if:

• You have missing or chipped teeth
• Your dentures don't fit properly
• Your teeth show signs of infections due to injury, periodontal diseases, or some other causes
• Your face is sinking in, possibly due to bone loss

Types of Dental Implants Available at Smile Arizona Dentistry

At Smile Arizona Dentistry, we offer customized dental implants to fit your unique needs. Regardless of the number of teeth you need replaced, our dental implants will help you regain your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy life with greater confidence and a beautiful smile!

Since 1993, we have been committed to serving the dental needs of local Arizona communities, including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale.

The following are some of the different types of dental implants offered by us:

1. Single Tooth Implants

If you are missing a single tooth, this implant is an ideal choice for you. Your dentist will attach a titanium post into the jawbone of the missing tooth to replace its root. Then they will attach a crown over the post to give it the look and feel of a real tooth.

2. Multiple Tooth Implants

If you have multiple missing teeth, you can opt for an implant-supported bridge. These implants can replace your teeth without any support from the neighboring natural teeth. They bond with your jawbone to keep it healthy and intact.

3. Full Mouth Implants

Full mouth dental implants make use of four to eight implants to replace a row of missing teeth. This is a great choice if you have lost most of your teeth or need to replace entire arches of missing, broken, or decayed ones.

Are Dental Implants the Best Option?

Dental implants are the next best thing to natural teeth. They mimic your actual tooth structure as they look, feel and act exactly like your natural teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, they help replace missing teeth without affecting any of the neighboring ones. Besides, if cared for properly, your implants can last a lifetime.

The following are some of the reasons why you should choose dental implants:

• They restore your ability to chew and are about 80% as efficient as your natural teeth
• They help prevent bone loss by replacing the lost tooth and its root
• They keep your neighboring teeth stable and intact
• They help you speak more confidently

What Can You Expect with Dental Implants Procedure at Smile Arizona Dentistry

Here's what you can expect while getting your dental implants at Smile Arizona Dentistry:

On the First Visit

On your very first visit, our experts will evaluate your oral health and the current condition of your jawbone to see if any procedures are needed prior to implants. For this purpose, they will scan the affected area with our new 3D X-Ray machine (Rayscan A+) with superior image processing technology and minimum x-ray radiations.

During the Dental Implant Procedure

Once the extent of damage has been determined, a feasible treatment plan will be created accordingly. During the implant procedure, titanium posts will be placed into the bone sockets of the missing tooth. The posts will act as roots of the missing tooth and will take about 4 to 6 months to fuse with the bone (osseointegration). The entire procedure is usually done with IV sedation to comfort anxious patients.

Post Osseointegration

Once the titanium posts have fused with your jawbone, you are ready for the abutment (the metal part that acts as your crown's base). The abutment connects your artificial crown to your dental implants. Also known as healing cuffs or caps, abutments help the gum tissue around your implant site to heal. These can either be placed at the same time as your implant or in a separate minor surgery.

Post Abutment Placement

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for your gums to heal after placing the abutment. Once your gums have completely healed, your dentist will make impressions (molds) of your jaw, teeth, and abutment. Your bites will be recorded to check how your teeth fit together. These molds will be used to model your new prosthesis. Once your prosthesis is ready, you'll have several fittings to see how they feel in your mouth. After all necessary adjustments have been made, the prosthesis will be attached to the abutments.

Dental Implants Are Worth It!

Dental implants are definitely worth your time and money. When well maintained, they can last up to 25 years, giving you the same functionality and look of natural teeth.

If you live in Scottsdale or any of the surrounding areas, especially Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix, and are looking for dental implant options near you, reach out to our team of expert dentists led by Dr. Beth Vander Schaaf at Smile Arizona Dentistry.

For a limited time, we are also offering a FREE 10-pack Opalescence Go semi-custom whitening package with your implant care.