Dental Implants

Losing a tooth to injury, decay, or disease can cause discomfort and leave a dent in your self-confidence. Fortunately, patients who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth can replace them with dental implants.

Invented in the 1950s, dental implants have become one of the most popular procedures in restorative dentistry, providing a permanent solution to help patients with missing teeth restore their beautiful smile and regain their confidence. Radiant Smiles Phoenix offers dental implants in Phoenix as part of our restorative dentistry services, helping residents restore the aesthetics of their teeth and enjoy their life to the fullest.

The Basics of Dental Implants

A dental implant is a type of medical device inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root for your tooth. The implant is made from titanium material screwed into the jaw bones. This serves as a secure and stable foundation on which a replacement tooth can be installed. The replacement teeth can be a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the unique needs of the patient. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, and, in extreme cases, all the teeth. When installed properly, getting dental implants in Phoenix restores both the aesthetics and function of a patient’s teeth.

Who Needs Dental Implants in Phoenix?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, about three million people in the United States have dental implants. This shows just how popular this treatment option is. But who needs dental implants, and what makes a person a top candidate for this type of restorative procedure? If your gum is missing one tooth or several teeth, you can get dental implants to replace the missing teeth and restore the appearance of your mouth. Generally, the options to replace a missing tooth can be a denture, a dental bridge, or dental implants.

Dentures are the most affordable option of these three, but they’re removable, which can be inconvenient for most people. Dental bridgework relies on surrounding teeth for support, but implants are installed directly into the bones, which means they do not depend on surrounding teeth. Dental implants are designed to look and function just like natural teeth. If there are no issues with the installation, your new tooth root and the artificial tooth installed over it should last for a long time. This makes dental implants the perfect choice for patients of all ages looking for a permanent solution for missing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants in Phoenix

Dental implants restore the aesthetics and function of a patient’s teeth. Getting this procedure can improve a patient’s oral health and overall quality of life. Patients who get dental implants get to eat, speak, and smile with greater confidence. The following are some of the benefits of getting dental implants in Phoenix.

A Permanent Solution

A dental implant is a long-term solution for missing teeth. Unlike dentures and other removable options, dental implants are meant to be permanent. If installed properly and properly cared for, it should last for a lifetime, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.

Improved Oral Health

Installing dental implants can help maintain the structure of the jawbone and prevent bone loss. This is crucial in preserving the overall appearance of a patient’s face and promoting the health of surrounding teeth.

Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants by the certified professionals at Radiant Smiles Dentistry are designed to look and function just like your real teeth. Patients can bite and chew normally, allowing them to enjoy their favorite food with no restrictions.

Enhanced Confidence

Individuals who restore their missing teeth with dental implants often experience increased self-esteem. You’ll feel better about your appearance, and this can affect your overall well-being positively.

Getting Dental Implants in Phoenix — The Process

The process of getting dental implants at Radiant Smiles Phoenix often involves multiple stages that may span several months and require multiple visits to our dental clinic. While this might sound intricate, the goal is to ensure that the result is durable and natural-looking, so it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. Here's a quick look at what you can expect when you visit Radiant Smiles Dentistry for Dental Implants in Phoenix.

Initial Consultation

The first stage of your treatment is an initial consultation at our dental clinic. During this visit, you get to speak to one of our qualified oral surgeons or implant dentists about your case. Your Phoenix dentists will assess your oral health and review your medical history. X-rays and 3D scans will also be taken to evaluate the condition of your jawbone and surrounding structures.

Treatment Planning

Your dentists in Phoenix will proceed to create a customized treatment plan based on this initial assessment. The plan will outline the number of implants you need and the type of restoration to be installed on the implants. Your dentists will also discuss your goals with you and explain what you can expect during the treatment.

Preparatory Procedures

Sometimes, a patient may need some preliminary procedures before the actual implant placement. These can include bone grafting or sinus lifts to ensure there is enough bone density and volume to support the implants.

Implant Placement

The dental placement itself is a surgical procedure typically done under local anesthesia. You may also opt for sedation if you’re anxious or uncomfortable about your procedure. During this procedure, small incisions are made into the gum tissues to access the jawbone. Next, we will drill holes into the bones where the titanium implant posts will be installed. Once the implants are in place, the gum tissue is sutured closed, and a protective cap or healing abutment may be attached to the implants. This helps the gum tissue heal properly and shapes it for the final restoration.

Healing Period

The implant placement surgery is followed by a healing period during which Osseointegration is expected to take place. This refers to the process of surrounding bone fusing into the metal implant to support it. This process can take several weeks to months, but it’s crucial to the success of your treatment. It is important that you follow post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist.

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, a second minor surgical procedure may be needed to expose the tops of the implants. Small connectors (also known as Abutments), which serve as a foundation for the artificial tooth, are attached to the implant during this procedure.

Final Restoration

After installing the abutment, the next step is to take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. Depending on your choice, the final artificial tooth installation is securely attached to the abutments, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement tooth or teeth.

Visit Radiant Smiles for Dental Implants in Phoenix

Radiant Smiles Phoenix is a leading, family-friendly dental office in Phoenix, AZ. We serve patients in Phoenix and its surrounding communities in need of dental implants and other forms of restorative dental treatments.

Our skilled and compassionate team will work you through the process of getting dental implants and explain all its benefits and considerations to help you get started with your treatment with confidence. Contact us now to schedule an appointment or visit our dental office to get started.