Dental Implants for a Restored Smile | Affordable Dental Implants in Peoria and Glendale Arizona

Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you feel insecure about your smile as a result? Dental implants may be the solution for you. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Replacing both the roots and the teeth, dental implants replenish a depleted smile and give your mouth the support it needs.

What are dental implants?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, a dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth. A connector, known as an abutment, is placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, which connects it to the replacement tooth. Finally, a crown, a replacement tooth, is custom fabricated to match your natural teeth, completing the dental implant.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Research has proven that dental health and overall health are closely linked. Regular dental exams and cleanings can surface a number of diseases and their warning signs in the early stages. So, we are able to treat these conditions • Restore your smile with natural looking, feeling, and functioning “teeth”

  • Alleviate bite and joint issues that result from shifting teeth
  • Improve chewing, digestion, and speech
  • Enhance your facial tissues
  • Support, secure, and enhance the comfort of bridges or dentures before patients become seriously ill and need costly or invasive treatment.

What is the process for getting dental implants?
While dental implants are a great solution for replacing missing teeth, it’s important to know they are not a “quick fix.” The process involves multiple appointments and can take several months to complete.

Dental implant placement starts with an initial consultation. This is where Dr. West will perform a thorough oral exam, including taking X-rays or 3D images, discussing the various implant options and developing a plan for your implant surgery. During your next appointment, the dental implant will be placed in your jawbone where the tooth (or teeth) are missing.

As you heal from the implant placement, your implant and jawbone will grow together in a process called osseointegration, where a strong, long-lasting foundation for your replacement teeth will form. This process can take up to a few months, so in the meantime, you can go about your normal life. You will be on a soft food diet for the first few weeks to make sure your implants heal properly. In some cases, temporary teeth may be offered during this period, if you choose.

Once the dental implant bonds with your jawbone, a small connector, called an abutment, is placed on the dental implant just above the gumline. Sometimes the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant. After your gums heal, you will get impressions made of your mouth and remaining teeth to custom-make your artificial tooth (or teeth). The artificial tooth (or teeth) will be attached to the abutment. The new teeth require the same routine care, checkups and cleanings as your natural teeth.

Will dental implants hurt?

Although each patient’s dental implant experience is different, most people find they experience less pain and discomfort than they expect. Here at Arise Dental, we offer different sedation dentistry options to keep you comfortable. Post-implant surgery discomfort is similar to that of any other dental surgery and may include swelling, bruising, minor bleeding and/or pain.

Why should I replace my missing tooth?

You should never have to hide your smile. Instead, you should be proud of your smile and dental health. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, replacing a missing tooth is an important investment in your overall, long-term oral health. There can be consequences that come with having a missing tooth including gum shrinkage, teeth shifting and tooth decay. Dental procedures such as implants can be a great, long-term solution to missing teeth.

Why choose dental implants?

Modern dental implants have been used successfully for more than 30 years. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth. Most patients prefer dental implants because they are the most natural looking and natural feeling replacement for missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants don’t slip or click when you talk, laugh or eat. They help keep your jawbone healthy, so that your facial structure stays intact.

Would a dental implant work for me?

Dental implants can be an ideal solution for adults of all ages, whether you were born without a tooth or have had to have teeth removed due to injury, infection or decay. They can also be an option for adolescents, once facial growth and development has been completed. Generally, this occurs around age 16 for girls and age 18 for boys.

At the Arise Dental office in Peoria, Dr. West will perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants. He will also thoroughly explain all of your treatment options, the ins and outs of the procedure, benefits, and after-care.

Generally, dental implant candidates would meet the following conditions:

  • Good oral health
  • Non-smoker
  • Complete facial development
  • Willing to commit to the dental implant process

Would a dental implant work for me?

One of the main advantages of dental implants in Peoria or Glendale, AZ is that they are a long-term solution to replace missing teeth. If you are diligent about properly maintaining your oral health through routine care, your dental implant can last for more than 20 years or even a lifetime.

Although a dental implant cannot decay, the gums around the area can still accumulate bacteria the same as your natural teeth. Be sure to adhere to a good oral care routine and schedule twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings in Peoria and Glendale, AZ with Dr. West.

How long will my dental implant last?

One of the main advantages of dental implants in Peoria or Glendale, AZ is that they are a long-term solution to replace missing teeth. If you are diligent about properly maintaining your oral health through routine care, your dental implant can last for more than 20 years or even a lifetime.

Although a dental implant cannot decay, the gums around the area can still accumulate bacteria the same as your natural teeth. Be sure to adhere to a good oral care routine and schedule twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings in Peoria and Glendale, AZ with Dr. West.

Dental Bridges vs. Dental Implants

Two of the most common solutions that dental professionals use to address missing teeth are dental implants and dental bridges. While both approaches fundamentally address the same issues, at a technical level, they present very different options for you to consider.

Dental bridges fill in gaps of missing teeth and provide support to surrounding teeth and dental structures. They are composed of two dental caps placed on either side of a gap, and a bridge of false teeth or “pontics” to fill in the space between. Dental bridges are considered to be more cost effective and offer a quicker process for replacing missing teeth.

A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium, that serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth. A connector is placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, which connects it to the replacement tooth. Then, a crown is custom fabricated to match your natural teeth, completing the dental implant. Dental Implants place less of a burden on surrounding healthy teeth and are expected to last a lifetime.

Not sure which option is best for you? Contact the team at Arise Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. West. He will thoroughly explain all of your options, the ins and outs of procedures, benefits, and after-care.

How can I find out more about dental implants in Phoenix, AZ?

You should be proud of your smile and your dental health. Wondering whether dental implants could help you towards a healthier, more confident smile? Stop by or call for a consultation with Dr. West. He will thoroughly explain the ins and outs of the dental implant procedure, benefits, and after-care.