Tucson Dentist

Dental ImplantsTucson, AZ

Dental implants are one of the most common tooth replacement options available. Losing a tooth can be embarrassing and may cause the person to hide their smile and lose self-confidence. The space left by the missing teeth can harbor bacterial infection, cause other teeth to shift and make eating or speech difficult. Knowing the health risks and hardship associated with losing a tooth, a cosmetic dentist can provide dental implants to help patients regain self-confidence, improve their oral health and aid dental functions.

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The process of placing dental implants

If the patient is missing one or more of their teeth, they may be eligible for dental implants. To get started with the procedure, an appointment with the dentist is necessary. The dentist will examine the oral cavity and jawbone to know if the patient is a candidate for dental implants. Before proceeding with treatment, the gums need to be healthy and the jawbone needs to be sturdy and healthy enough to hold implants. If the dentist detects signs of gum disease or cavities, they will need to be treated first.

Once the patient is confirmed for the procedure, the dentist will take an impression of their oral cavity. The impression will be sent to the dental lab that will create the tooth prosthesis. Each replacement tooth will be fabricated to match the size, color and shape of the existing tooth. This ensures that the patient’s smile looks natural and aesthetically pleasing. Patients who undergo dental implants procedure are usually satisfied with the results because it is difficult to differentiate between the synthetic and original teeth.

Also, tooth implants are not susceptible to cavities. The crown does not decay like a natural tooth, but patients must still care for the implant restoration as they would care their natural teeth. Routine visits to the dentist for checkup and professional cleaning are also important.

The next stage of the implant procedure is the placement of the titanium metal post under the gum line. This part of the procedure is what differentiates dental implants from other tooth replacement options. The metal post fuses with the jawbone over several months to form a durable artificial root system that is comparable in strength to the natural tooth root.

Afterward, the dentist will connect the new artificial tooth via the abutment attached to the dental implant. The new tooth is connected securely so patients can eat, participate in sports and lead an active lifestyle without worrying that the tooth will come loose or fall out.

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The benefits of dental implants

The following are benefits of choosing dental implants:

  • Natural tooth functions: Dental implants restore the full chewing and biting function of the tooth.
  • Highly durable: While restorations like a dental bridge may only survive around 10 years of use, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium used in making implants is biocompatible, which allows it to fuse with jawbone with minimal risk of rejection.
  • Prevents bone loss: Bone loss occurs with the loss of the tooth root that keeps the jawbone stimulated, so when the tooth is missing, the jawbone around the area deteriorates with the absence of stimulation. If the tooth is not replaced with dental implants within the first year, the bone in the area loses 25% of its volume and continues to worsen over the years. Dentures can contribute to bone loss as they rub against the bone ridge and cause gradual deterioration. Since the implant replaces the tooth and its root, the bone will get the stimulation required to stay healthy and intact.
  • Keeps the mouth free of gum disease: A missing tooth space can encourage the accumulation of food debris and bacteria that may cause gum disease.
  • Aesthetics: Dental implants can look just like natural teeth, and most people will not be able to tell the difference when the patient smiles.

Choosing the right dentist for the implant procedure

Patients can trust the dentist to perform the procedure practically and comfortably. As with any surgical procedure, it is essential to consult a professional to ensure low risks of complications or implant failure. The right dentist will take their time to ensure that they complete every aspect of the treatment correctly in one go.

Before choosing a dentist to perform the procedure, patients can ask questions about the following:

  • The options available for tooth restoration and their recommendation
  • The success rate of the procedure
  • Provision of temporary teeth during healing
  • Sedation options
  • Training and education
  • Board certification and continuous learning
  • The risks of the procedure
  • The benefits of choosing dental implants
  • Before and after pictures of past patients
  • What to expect throughout the procedure regarding recovery, pain management and diet

Caring for dental implants

After completing the implant procedure, the dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the new teeth. The maintenance routine is easy. To care for implants, patients need to brush and floss thoroughly to keep their oral cavity clean. Also, biannual visits to the dentist are paramount. During these appointments, the dentist will clean the teeth and examine the oral cavity for signs of infection or disease.

These practices are important because while dental restorations cannot get infected, the surrounding healthy teeth can. If gum disease or a dental abscess occurs, the infection may spread to the jawbone. This may compromise the implants because the jawbone must be healthy for the implants to stay intact. If infection occurs, every tooth, including dental implants, will be at risk.

Some patients may be concerned about their dental implants falling out or becoming loose. Unless there is an accident or infection, the implant system will remain in place. If the tooth starts to hurt after getting dental implants, patients must book an appointment with the dentist immediately. In the case of implant infection, the dentist can use PerioLase to restore dental implants.

Final note

Dental implant placement is a complicated procedure and requires experience and expertise. When you visit the dental office, the dentist will explain the options available after the initial examination. You can be sure that the dentist is committed to helping you achieve your smile goal. With dental implants, you can have a functional and natural-looking smile once more. It all starts by booking an appointment.

Contact Us

Casas Adobes Dentistry is located at 7520 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 200 Tucson, AZ 85704.

(520) 365-0559

Appointment changes require a call during business hours to avoid charges. Please no text, email, or voicemail.*