Dental Implants – Phoenix, AZ
Life-Changing Tooth Replacement Options
Tooth loss can dramatically affect your life, whether it happens suddenly because of an injury or at a more gradual pace. Several tooth replacement options are available to patients in need, but none are as effective or as long-lasting as dental implants. At Devoted Family Dental Phoenix, our doctors would be happy to help you determine whether these life-changing tooth replacement options are the right choice for you. Please contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation to discuss tooth replacement with dental implants in Phoenix, AZ.
Why Choose Devoted Family Dental Phoenix for Dental Implants?
- Entire Dental Implant Procedure Done Here
- Permanently Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth
- Fair & Reasonable Prices with No Hidden Fees
What are Dental Implants?
Natural teeth are made up of two parts: the shiny white crown that you see when you smile, and the hidden roots under the gums that hold it in place. Other tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges only replace the crowns of missing teeth, which only fixes some of the issues associated with tooth loss. On the other hand, dental implants are designed to replace the entire structure of a missing tooth from top to bottom for the best, most lifelike results.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that can be inserted into the jawbone. This allows it to mimic the roots of a missing tooth and provide a strong foundation for the replacement teeth. A connector piece called an abutment sits on top of the post and secures a restoration in place. This could be a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture depending on how many teeth you are missing. Thanks to this unique placement, the end result is a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like natural!
The 4 Step Dental
Implant Process
If you are unaware of how dental implants work in Phoenix, the team at Devoted Family Dental Phoenix is here to explain. But before we begin to detail the step-by-step process, it is important that you understand the entire timeline to receive dental implants requires a commitment of several months or even a full year. The reason is that some patients require preliminary treatments, and it is necessary that osseointegration occurs successfully. At our dental office, we work to make the process as streamlined as possible by conducting the entire procedure in-house. From consultation to surgical placement to applying metal abutments to affixing the final restoration, we provide start-to-finish care with no need for referrals.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
You will meet with a member of our team for an initial consultation that will include a complete exam of your oral and facial structures using advanced technology and dental X-rays. Once all the necessary information is gathered and a thorough discussion about your oral and overall health is completed, we will create a personalized treatment plan that details any preliminary services you might need (i.e., bone grafting, periodontal therapy, tooth extractions). Also, we will go over the entire implant placement process as well as the timeline you can expect and how much your new smile will cost.
No matter if you require additional treatment or receive the green light for oral surgery, we will deliver a complete treatment plan that discusses the timeline for your new smile and its cost.
Dental Implant Surgery
Since we are able to perform the entire procedure in-house, you will be able to remain in one location for the entire process. On the day of your surgery, you will receive local anesthesia that will numb the appropriate areas of your mouth before your implant dentist in Phoenix makes one or more incisions in your gums. Exposing the bone, we will insert each implant into the appropriate location and angle it for maximum support before closing the gum tissue. We will then place a protective cap over the top of the implant and send you home to begin the recovery process.
Dental Implant Osseointegration/ Abutment
The average recovery time spent at home is between 3-6 months; however, this can vary depending on how many dental implants in Phoenix you have put into place. Osseointegration will begin, which is the fusing of your implants to the bone and the tissues. This must be successful to prevent dental implant failure in the future.
Once you have healed from your implant surgery, you will return to have a metal abutment placed on top of each implant. This is a connector appliance that brings together your restoration and implant when put into place.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
The last step for dental implant placement is receiving your custom-made restoration. Because these prosthetics are capable of treating all types of tooth loss, you may receive a dental crown, implant bridge, or implant denture depending on your individual needs. Designed to match the color, size, and shape of your natural smile, our team will put it in place and check your bite to ensure everything is working harmoniously. Then, you will be free to start enjoying your new, fully functional smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Tooth loss is no joking matter. The consequences are not only looking back at you in the mirror, but they can truly impact your quality of life. That is why reliable tooth replacement is so important. If you want your smile to look and feel natural, then there is no better choice than dental implants. Offering permanence and optimal functionality when it comes to eating and speaking, you can also expect to enjoy improved oral health as a result of their unique ability to stimulate your jawbone and prevent further tooth loss and facial collapse. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of dental implants in Phoenix, which range from appearance to financial value:
Day-to-Day Benefits
- Once they are in place, dental implants can be cared for just like regular teeth. Patients can continue to brush and floss like normal at home, allowing for a less time-consuming solution, as opposed to dentures that require soaking and specialized products for cleaning.
- When compared to natural teeth, dental implants in Phoenix are virtually indistinguishable in both looks and feel. Other people will not even realize the difference between your real and artificial teeth. This is a game-changer for many people, especially since it is believed that 34% of denture-wearers have a hard time embracing a fuller life because of their prosthetics.
- You are free to eat all your favorite foods because these implants generate a stronger bite force and chewing power. Instead of shying away from tougher food choices, you can readily consume that juicy steak and feel confident that your prosthetics will remain firmly in place.
Health Benefits
- While traditional reconstructive solutions only bother with rebuilding the crown (the white part) of the tooth, dental implants focus on the supportive root first. As a result, patients can expect to enjoy a smile that is healthier and stronger over time.
- The overall health benefits of dental implants are evident in the reduction of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes – three of the most common problems people can potentially face if living with tooth loss.
- Dental implants do not change over time. Unlike dentures that can become uncomfortable to wear as changes in your facial shape occur, you will never need to worry about oral sores or discomfort caused by ill-fitting dental implants.
Long-Term Benefits
- When placed by a trusted and expert implant dentist in Phoenix, you are likely to experience a 98% success rate of placement.
- As long as you attend regular checkups here at Devoted Family Dental Phoenix and have a strong oral hygiene routine at home, it is very likely that your dental implants will serve you well for the rest of your life. Even after 10 years, dental implants maintain a success rate of 90-95%, which is more evidence that proves these permanent prosthetics are designed to remain firmly in place for decades.
- You will save money by choosing dental implants simply because you will not need frequent adjustments and replacements like you would if you had dentures or a fixed bridge. You will also not need to worry about buying specialized cleaning products because all you need is a soft-bristled toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash to keep your implants clean. Also, there is no need to purchase dental adhesive because your implants are affixed to your jawbone.
Who Dental Implants
Can Help?
Dental implants are an ideal solution for almost anyone dealing with missing teeth. To determine your eligibility for treatment, our team will consider the following factors:
- Oral Health: Cavities and gum disease are known to cause implant failure, so if you possess any signs during your consultation, we will need to administer appropriate treatment first.
- Overall Health: Dental implant placement requires minor oral surgery and anesthesia, which you will need to prove you are healthy enough to undergo.
- Strong Jawbone: The foundation for your implants and customized restoration is dependent upon the density of your jawbone. If it is not strong enough to support your new smile, we will need to move forward with preliminary treatments.
No matter if you feel you may not be a candidate for dental implants in Phoenix, our team at Devoted Family Dental Phoenix will examine your smile in its entirety and determine what process should be followed. Even if areas of your mouth are not adequate for implants right away, we can recommend bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extractions to help build your facial structure and prepare your oral cavity for future dental implants.
Missing 1 Tooth
If you have only one missing tooth, a single dental implant and a custom-made crown can fill the gap. Unlike a dental bridge, which requires the surrounding healthy teeth to be filed down, a single implant post is a completely self-supporting tooth replacement option that does not require altering your healthy adjacent teeth to serve as an anchor.
Missing Multiple Teeth
If you are missing several teeth, then two implant posts can be used to fill the outer sockets and anchor a bridge or partial denture. In the case of a bridge, two dental implants are placed on both sides of the gap in your smile. Then, after you have healed and implants are well integrated, a bridge of teeth is secured. If multiple missing teeth occur throughout the upper or lower arch, a partial denture can be created and anchored to the implants.
Missing All Teeth
Alternatively, dental implants can be used to support a full implant denture on your top or bottom arch. Unlike traditional dentures that can slip or no longer fit as they once did, these will remain in your mouth at all times without any slipping or clicking. We will surgically place between 4 and 6 dental implants along the jawbone before securing the denture in place.
Alternately, you may be eligible for All-on-4 dental implants. This alternative solution is great for patients who lack jawbone density because of teeth that have been missing for a long period of time. By using only four dental implants, we can effectively anchor a full implant denture into place.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are an investment; there is no question about that. However, they can be a very worthwhile investment when you consider the numerous benefits. Moreover, dental implants may actually end up costing less than other tooth replacement options. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, implants can last a lifetime.
The final cost of your dental implants in Phoenix will depend on whether or not you need any preliminary work such as a bone graft or tooth extraction. Also, the number of dental implants required and their specific locations in your mouth will impact the total cost. If you would like to join the more than 3 million people already enjoying the many benefits of dental implants, review the following information to find out more about how much you can expect to spend on your new and improved smile.
Preliminary Treatments & Dental Implant Surgery
During your initial consultation with your implant dentist in Phoenix, we will determine if you require any preliminary treatments. Bone grafting, periodontal therapy, and tooth extraction are most commonly performed if signs of poor gum health, dental decay, or jawbone deterioration are present. Although these do add to the total expenses of your implant treatment, they are necessary to ensure the successful placement and longevity of your dental implants.
Also, your implant surgery will be a factor in the cost estimate provided to you during your consultation. Because the entire process is completed in-house from start to finish, you will not need to worry about paying a separate fee to an outside specialist, which can certainly help to streamline the financial side of treatment.
The Parts of Your Dental Implant
Each part of your dental implant incurs its own fee. From the titanium or zirconia implant post to the customized dental restoration, it is important to remember that cheaper materials will not always be worth it. In fact, you could end up spending more over the years if the quality of your implants is subpar.
At Devoted Family Dental Phoenix, we will provide a thorough explanation as to the type of implants we use, helping you to better understand the quality you will be receiving. Your costs can vary based on the size of your dental implant, the location in which it needs to be placed within your mouth, the brand, and how many implants you will need to replace your missing teeth
How Dental Implants Can Save You Money
When meeting with your implant dentist in Phoenix, you can trust that we will go over the many great benefits that only implants can provide. However, we will also explain how you can save more money by choosing a more permanent and stable solution, some of which include:
- No longer needing dental adhesive to keep your prosthetics in place
- No unnecessary dental supplies to maintain your implants and keep them clean
- No regular visits to your dentist for adjustments or replacements, which are typical for those who wear dentures or dental bridges
Your decision to choose dental implants will also benefit more than just your oral health. You will also save money by avoiding many of the most common systemic issues that can become costly to treat over the years. By replacing your missing teeth with these permanent prosthetics, you can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even osteoporosis.
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Depending on your individual policy, most dental insurance companies do not cover the cost of dental implant placement. However, some are beginning to see and understand the value and importance of such treatment and will offer to pay a portion of the cost. The only way to know is to contact your insurance company to find out.
However, if they will not pay for the actual placement of your implants, they might pay for the anesthesia, custom restoration, initial visit, and even some preliminary dental work.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
If you are concerned about being able to afford your new smile, talk to our team members who will be happy to assist you in reviewing your policy or applying for dental financing through CareCredit. This third-party company offers flexible financing with the help of low and no interest payment plans. By enrolling in one of the available plans, you can break up the cost of your treatment and stay well within your budget.
Dental Implant Post-Op Instructions
The time needed for healing after dental implant surgery depends on the number of implants placed, whether or not bone graft surgery was also necessary, and your personal healing time. A secure bond between the implant and surrounding bone usually requires at least six weeks and up to six months. This is why it is necessary that you receive dental implant post-op instructions in Phoenix before leaving the office. This will help you to better care for your healing smile while waiting your final restorations to be put into place.
What to Do Directly After Dental Implant Surgery
You can expect your gums and jaw to be sore for the first few days after surgery. This should dissipate over the following weeks. However, immediately following your procedure, you will want to return home and get plenty of rest for 24 hours. Before your anesthesia wears off, make sure to take an over-the-counter pain reliever or antibiotic to ensure you keep your pain level low.
Also, avoid any strenuous activity during this initial timeframe, as you do not want to apply more pressure on your healing mouth.
Common Side Effects
Soreness, tenderness, slight swelling, and bruising are normal after dental implant placement. You will need to be watchful of any pain that does not begin to dissipate or any bleeding that occurs, as this should have you alerting your implant dentist in Phoenix as soon as possible.
Diet
Not all patients desire food immediately following their dental implant placement procedure. Whether you do or not, you will need to adhere to a liquid and soft food diet initially. While your posts are still loose and waiting to fuse with the bone, you do not need to eat crunchy or hard foods that could irritate your gums. Any unnecessary pressure placed on the posts might cause them to fail if you are not careful.
A list of acceptable foods you can eat in the early days of recovery includes:
- Pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Pudding
- Warm soups
- Mashed potatoes
After some time, once your gums and mouth begin to feel normal and more at ease with eating, you can slowly begin to incorporate denser foods into your diet.
Health & Oral Hygiene
Although gentleness and care are essential when cleaning your teeth and gums after minor oral surgery, you must be careful not to damage or harm your positioned posts. Be sure to stick to your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss as usual, but do not disturb the surgical site, especially if you have stitches.
Gargling with warm salt water can also help your recovery. The water is soothing to your gums and the salt content has antiseptic properties.
What to Do After Your New Teeth Are Attached
Once your dentist is certain that the dental implants in Phoenix are secure, then you will come in to have the appropriate restoration attached. When equipped with your new teeth, you are free to resume life as normal; however, you might feel some slight sensitivity initially. This will dissipate within a few days, so there is no need to be worried.
Dental Implant Failure & Salvage
The success rate for initial dental implant placement is around 95%. This is as long as your implant dentist positions it correctly, and you possess no signs of gum disease before surgery. While it is unlikely for complications to occur immediately or years after your procedure, there is a slight chance you could experience a failed dental implant in Phoenix. The good news is there are solutions available that are designed to save your new and improved smile.
Maintaining & Caring For Your Dental Implants
Now that your dental implants are officially in place and ready for use, it is no surprise that you are eager to begin enjoying your new and improved smile. But before you start testing the waters with these permanent prosthetics, it is important that you know proper dental implant care in Phoenix. At Devoted Family Dental Phoenix, our team of experts wants you to have everything you need to ensure the longevity of your new teeth, which is why we invite you to review the tips below to better understand what you can do to take care of your smile. If you have questions about the information provided, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Making Oral Hygiene a Priority
It is easy to think that a quick brushing will be enough to keep your teeth free of decay and disease; however, that is not the case all, especially when living with dental implants in Phoenix. Brushing twice a day for two minutes as well as flossing and rinsing daily is necessary to keep gum disease from attacking your soft tissues and cavities forming on your natural, healthy teeth. By committing to a positive oral hygiene plan each day, you will enjoy a healthier smile for 30 years or longer!
Eating a Healthy Diet
While it is hard to pass up a delectable cookie or salty bag of potato chips, you might want to rethink making these staples in your daily diet. Too much sugar and starch can cause problems to develop inside your mouth, putting you at greater risk for dental implant failure. By adopting healthy food options like low-fat dairy, leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, you can not only better manage your waistline but also keep your teeth and gums in better shape.
Breaking Bad Habits
Do you smoke? Are you prone to chewing on pens or pencils when stressed? Do you tend to bite your fingernails when nervous? Are you likely to “snack” on ice? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you will need to rethink your decisions when living with dental implants. Any of these bad habits can damage your new teeth and cause them to fail if you are not careful. Any added pressure causing by biting down on things that are not food can cause fractures and cracks to form. Also, smoking can keep your implant posts from fusing with the bone, resulting in implant failure. It is strongly advised that you break any or all of these bad habits before you ever receive your implants to ensure their success later on.
Protecting Your Dental Implants
It is unlikely that dental implants will keep you from playing your favorite sport; however, you will need to make sure you are wearing proper mouth protection just like you would a helmet, shoulder pads, or any other piece of equipment. A sudden fall or hard hit can damage your new implants as well as your natural teeth. With a customized mouthguard, these devices can absorb much of the force, better protecting your smile. Even sports are not the concern but instead, grinding your teeth at night is causing you to worry about the state of your implants, a customized mouthguard can help to safeguard your smile and reduce the potential risk of worn tooth enamel and chronic jaw pain.
Scheduling Regular Dental Checkups
Your implant dentist in Phoenix is your ally. Choosing to see us for regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months will not only positively benefit you, but it will also allow our team to ensure no problems are developing that could hinder your future smile. Identifying any minor or major cracks early on as well as signs of gum disease, decay, or cavities will only help to extend the lifespan of your teeth. With the help of a trusted professional, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your healthy, beautiful, and fully functional smile.
Dental Implant FAQs
Now that you know more about dental implants in Phoenix, you may feel more confident about your upcoming procedure. However, we at Devoted Family Dental understand if you want additional information about the finer details associated with these permanent prosthetics. This is why we have compiled some common questions asked by our patients below. If you do not see yours listed, please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to provide further information to ensure you are ready to pursue a fully restored smile with dental implants.
How long do dental implants last?
It is believed that with the proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last 30 years or more. To ensure their lifespan is extended as long as possible, you must commit to brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily as well as seeing your implant dentist in Phoenix every six months for dental checkups and cleanings. You must also change your lifestyle habits to give up smoking, eating ice, or even chewing on inanimate objects like pens and pencils. Adopting a healthy diet is equally as beneficial. The fact that dental implants can last as long as they do is an attractive feature that cannot be attained with traditional dentures or dental bridges.
Am I too young to get dental implants?
It is highly unlikely that a dentist will ever recommend dental implants for a patient under the age of 18. While everyone’s jaw develops differently, it is best if a person waits until they are at least in their mid-20s to seek this type of restorative care. Should dental implants be placed while the jaw is still growing, it can negatively impact the future development of the jaw and cause complications.
Will I have to take off work for dental implant surgery?
Yes, you will likely need to take some time off for your dental implant surgery but only 1-2 days. The reason is that you will need one day for the actual surgery and a second day to rest. If your job requires much strenuous work and physical activity, it is best if you take off three or four days, as performing too much heavy exercise can divert blood from your surgical sites and cause delayed healing. This is why it is often recommended that you schedule your procedure on a Thursday or Friday so you can have the weekend to heal and not miss any additional days of work.
Can I get dental implants if I smoke?
While you can get dental implants if you smoke, there is a much higher rate of dental implant failure. The reason is that smoking and tobacco use causes dry mouth, which can significantly slow your healing time. As a result, osseointegration may be unsuccessful, keeping your implants from fusing with the bone. If you smoke, you are also at risk for dry sockets, which can form after oral surgery. A blood clot must form over the implant site, so if you continue to smoke, you will likely dislodge the clot, putting you at greater risk of infection. While it is always best to kick the habit long before you receive dental implants, you should at least quit 2-3 weeks before your surgery and wait at least 2-3 months after your procedure to resume your habit.
How can I tell if my dental implant is failing?
Dental implant failure is rare, but it does happen. Knowing the signs that your new teeth may not be in optimal shape is essential to getting the help you need right away. Some of the most common ways to tell that there might be a problem with your dental implant include:
- Increasing pain that occurs around the implant
- Inflammation of the gum tissue
- The implant post feels loose
If you begin to notice any of these issues, call our office right away. A member of our team will work to get you in as soon as possible so that we can evaluate the situation and administer appropriate treatment to try and save your smile.
Will I need a bone graft before getting dental implants?
While it is not always necessary, some individuals do require a bone graft before receiving dental implants. The reason is that tooth loss can often cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time. If this area of the mouth is not dense enough to adequately support the new teeth, they will fail. After taking digital images of your oral and facial structures, we will determine the density of your jawbone and whether you will require a bone graft.
If so, we will take grafting materials from another part of your body or that of a donor and place them within your jawbone area. It often takes several months for the new and existing bone to integrate and strengthen, so you can expect your dental implant process to take a bit longer.
Are there any food restrictions with dental implants?
One of the great benefits of dental implants is that they allow you to eat all your favorite foods. However, when you first receive your new posts, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions when it comes to ensuring that your mouth properly heals. This means you will need to abide by a liquid and soft food diet initially. However, as your mouth heals, you can begin to incorporate harder, denser foods. Once your new teeth are secured, you can eat all types of foods, but you will need to be mindful of consuming hard, crunchy items, as these can damage real and artificial teeth and have you seeing an emergency dentist.