Steps For Dental Implant
Replacing a tooth with a dental implant most commonly consists of two different painless procedures. The first is the placement of the dental implant, which is a titanium screw that replaces the roots of your missing tooth. With the help of 3-D imaging, our doctors will be able to plan the precise placement of your dental implant. After the dental implant is placed, a period of 8-12 weeks is needed for the implant to fully integrate and become solid with your jawbone.
After integration of the implant, the next step to restore the missing tooth is to place a porcelain crown on top of the implant. Using advanced technology, your teeth and implant are scanned with a digital scanner and a custom crown will be fabricated to fit precisely on top of your implant. Most of the time, this crown can be done in-office in only one visit.
Benefits
Function → Eat, speak and chew like you would with normal teeth
Health → prevent bone loss where your missing tooth would be
Aesthetics → the crown will look and feel like your natural tooth
After the implant dentistry treatment is completed, you will be able to enjoy a lasting confident smile. At Whiting Dental, your implant dentist wants eating, drinking, and speaking to be a pleasure again. Implant dentistry can help you enjoy a long and healthy life.
To find out if implant dentistry is right for you, please contact our office. Don’t let missing teeth stop you from leading a happy, and comfortable life.
FAQs
Can dental implants prevent future bone loss?
Yes, dental implants can help prevent future bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate because the tooth root no longer stimulates it. A dental implant acts like a natural tooth root, stimulating the jawbone and helping maintain its density. It makes implants a superior option to traditional dentures or bridges, which do not prevent bone loss. Preserving bone density also helps keep your facial structure intact over time.
Can I receive dental implants if I grind my teeth?
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can affect dental implants, but it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting them. Your dentist will assess the severity of your grinding and may recommend a night guard to protect your natural teeth and the implants. Bruxism can place additional stress on implants, potentially leading to complications. However, taking preventive measures like wearing a night guard and addressing the underlying cause of grinding can ensure the success and longevity of your dental implants.
Can dental implants be placed in areas with significant bone loss?
Dental implants may still be an option in cases of significant bone loss, but additional procedures like bone grafting may be needed to build up the bone before placement. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the implant site to ensure enough support. Patients who have significant bone loss in their upper jaw may occasionally benefit from advanced implant procedures such as zygomatic implants. Your bone structure will undergo evaluation with imaging to determine the best approach for implant placement.
Are dental implants affected by aging?
Aging alone does not prevent someone from getting dental implants. Many older patients successfully receive implants. Age isn’t a limiting factor as long as you have good overall health and sufficient jawbone density. However, certain conditions more common with age, like osteoporosis or diabetes, may require additional precautions. You may work with your doctor to ensure the procedure is safe and successful after assessing your medical history and general health to see whether you’re a good candidate for implants.
Can I replace all my teeth with dental implants?
Yes, if you’re missing all your teeth, dental implants can be used to replace them. Full arch replacement options, such as implant-supported dentures, provide a stable and long-lasting solution. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, these implant-supported options are anchored directly to the jawbone, offering better function and appearance. Fewer implants are needed to support an entire arch, making this a cost-effective and minimally invasive way to restore a full smile with dental implants.
Can dental implants be removed if I change my mind?
Although dental implants are intended to be a long-term remedy for missing teeth, they can occasionally be removed if needed. If a patient decides they no longer desire the implant or if there are issues like infection or implant failure, this can be necessary. Usually, removal entails surgery, and the bone will start to mend following implant removal. Depending on the circumstances, we may explore different methods for replacing the lost tooth, and bone grafting may be necessary to reconstruct the area.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium roots, that are replaced with in the jawbone to resemble a tooth or group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prosthesis including crowns, dentures, and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking, no one will know you had surgery. There’s approximately a 95% success rate for all implants. With modern advances in dentistry, some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
Dr. Whiting
Dr. Stauffer
At Whiting Dental, Dr. Ben Whiting and Dr. Scott Stauffer are committed to providing patients in and around San Tan Valley and Mesa, Arizona, with exceptional dental care right in their hometown. With a collective wealth of experience and extensive training in a diverse array of dental services, these highly regarded dentists have earned the trust and admiration of both colleagues and patients alike for providing modern dental solutions for the whole family. Renowned as board-certified dental professionals, Drs. Whiting and Stauffer seamlessly integrate cutting-edge advancements in dentistry with a personalized touch, fostering a relationship-driven, multigenerational practice.
