Dental ImplantsScottsdale, AZ
If you are thinking about getting dental implants, it may be helpful to first talk to your dentist. Implants can be an effective way of reviving your smile but also replacing missing teeth. By doing this, you can eat and speak properly once more. You can also stop avoiding social situations and have the self-confidence you have been looking for.
The implant comes in three parts: the post, the abutment, and the artificial tooth or crown. The post is made of titanium, while the crown is porcelain or ceramic. Implants are durable and can withstand the forces that natural teeth come in contact with.
You can do something about your missing teeth by calling our office today and discussing to process of getting implants.
Dental implants vs. other teeth-replacement options
It can be difficult living with a missing tooth. If a tooth falls out or if the dentist extracts it, there could be some pain and discomfort. The individual might have to avoid eating certain foods. There is also the cosmetic issue of having a large space in the mouth. Such a concern can keep the person from ever wanting to smile or open their mouth.
Implants are a good cosmetic dentistry solution for people who are missing one tooth or a few teeth. This is not the only treatment, however. Depending on the patient’s needs, how many teeth are missing, and where the gaps are located, the dentist may consider other interventions. Bridges are common for people with one or two missing teeth. Dentures are a good choice when the patient has no remaining teeth or few natural teeth left in the mouth. Implants are typically stronger than their counterparts and will last longer.
The causes of missing teeth
Losing a baby tooth is a momentous occasion for children. Losing a permanent tooth can be alarming or even have severe health effects. There are several reasons why a person might lose a permanent tooth. Some occur in accidents or due to bad luck. In other cases, the individual is to blame because of poor habits or lack of good hygiene. The following are ways in which teeth fall out:
- Inattention to daily brushing and flossing
- Not going to the dentist for checkups and examinations at least twice a year
- Failing to treat serious oral health conditions such as cavities or infections
- A hard blow to the face from a hard object
- Biting into something hard such as food or a utensil
- Falling to the ground face-first or suffering an impact injury to the mouth
When implants make the most sense
Not every person with missing teeth is a viable candidate for getting dental implants. The dentist has the knowledge and training to decide when this is the right treatment. Though a patient can choose implants to replace a mouthful of missing teeth, they are usually for people who need to replace a minimal number of teeth. Because implants will last longer, this treatment may be right for people who do not have to worry about going through another teeth-replacement procedure again. Implants do require a more significant financial commitment than other options. If money is not a concern, it may be wise to get implants over dentures or a bridge.
Visiting the dentist
People who are considering getting implants can get more information about the process from the dentist. The dentist will give the patient an overview of how the procedure works and what the person can expect when it comes to recovery and effectiveness. The dentist can then extract any severely damaged teeth when other methods cannot spare them. Next, the dentist will take X-rays and impressions to determine whether the jaw is healthy, and there is enough bone to support the implants.
Getting the posts
A few weeks after this preliminary visit, the patient will return to the office to begin the procedure. The dentist will numb the patient and make the individual comfortable. Some offices may offer other sedation methods. The dentist will make an incision in the gum and insert the screw-like post into the jawbone. The dentist then closes the incision wound, leaving the tops of the posts slightly exposed.
Over the next few months, the patient’s gums will heal. The posts will also begin to fuse with the bone, providing an anchor for the other parts of the implant. The post will act as the root of the artificial tooth. If there is not enough bone growth in the jaw, the dentist will have to do a bone graft. This involves taking bone from other parts of the body or using animal or artificial bones.
Getting the abutment
The abutment is a smaller piece that attaches to the post. The patient will come back into the office after the healing and bone-growth process. The patient will once again receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. The dentist will cut into the gum again, exposing more of the post. After attaching the abutment, the dentist sews up the incision point and sends the patient home.
Finishing the process
During the healing period, the dentist will have made a custom crown for the patient. This goes on the abutment and closely resembles a natural tooth. The dentist will ensure that the crown part of the dental implants has the same size, shape, and color as the surrounding teeth. This will help the implant blend in. The dentist will verify that the crown fits properly and feels good inside the patient’s mouth.
Follow-up and care
The dentist will follow up with the patient several days or a few weeks after the dental implants procedure. The dentist will want to make sure the patient is comfortable and getting used to the implants. Immediately after getting the implants, the patient should not eat hard foods. Gradually, the individual can eat hard items, but it is good to use caution.
Fill in those annoying gaps today
If you have recently lost a tooth or multiple teeth, there are ways to take care of the unwanted spaces. Dental implants are strong and can stand up to wear and tear. The implants will help you revive your smile. For a long-term answer to your smile concerns, implants make a lot of sense.
Contact Us
Sonoran Desert Dentistry is located at
9304 E Raintree Dr. Suite 100
Scottsdale,
AZ
85260
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