Implants are a complex dentistry procedure that offers permanent, beautiful results for your smile. Unlike veneers, caps, or dentures, an implant rebuilds the natural structure. Getting dental implants mean your “new teeth” act just like your natural ones. In many cases, they may never have to be replaced again.
Dental implants are an incredible alternative to dentures. Implants are ideal for patients who need one, several, or a complete replacement. Since dental implants look, feel, and act just like “real teeth,” they are a very popular and desirable option. After all, people are living longer, and they want to have teeth that look, feel and behave normally.
Modern Dentistry Recommends Implants for Better Oral Health
The American Dental Association supports the use of implants as tooth replacements. Compared to dentures, dental implant treatment helps restore the jaw bone. The tissue grows around the post, and this can prevent further deterioration.
This is why dentistry recommends implants instead of dentures whenever possible. Implants actually benefit your oral health. Dentures and partials just can't compete. Each implant promotes the regrowth of important tissue and bone that will sustain your smile.
The Importance of Replacing a Missing Tooth
Many people lose a tooth between the ages of 20 and 60. Even more will lose one after the age of 60. Unfortunately, it is typical for a patient to ignore the loss. They may get a partial to fill the gap, but just as often they don't want a denture, and they decide to live without the tooth.
Perhaps the loss doesn't affect your smile. This may make you think it is not that important. However, the truth is that modern dentistry strongly recommends that a person gets some kind of replacement right away. An implant is important for maintaining the integrity of the teeth around it.
Furthermore, Phoenix dental implants are the most effective way to fill the space and maintain the integrity of other teeth and the jaw.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures and Partials
Dentures may slowly lose their fit over time. Implants won't. A denture must be removed and cleaned. You won't need to do that with a dental implant.
Similar to a denture, partials don't improve overall oral health. Partials can't help the bone heal itself. They only provide replacement. If bone loss does occur, the jaw becomes weaker and more teeth are lost.
For those wearing dentures or partials, that jaw loss can slowly change the look of the face. This is not a desirable outcome for any patient.
As you can see, there are many benefits to this advanced procedure for tooth loss. You can get more information from our office. We are happy to provide the replacement you choose, but we definitely recommend a dental implant as the best of the bunch.
The Cost of Implants vs Dentures
Implant cost sometimes stops patients from considering this smart approach to tooth loss. Let us help you find financing so your mouth can benefit from modern scientific advances.
A set of dentures may not cost as much as implants at first, but each denture will need to be replaced when it loses its fit. Implants are forever teeth, and they act so much like real teeth that it's easy to forget you are wearing them. No one ever says that about a denture.
Can All Dentists Handle Dental Implants?
Many dentists are not offering implants due to the complexity of the surgical procedure. Traditional dentists can only do the crown part of the replacement.
Instead Dr. Scott Connell can do the entire procedure in the office without sending you to a different specialist. That's a big savings of time and effort just by choosing expert care at Sky Dental.
How Many Appointments are Needed for Implants?
Generally the procedure requires two appointments, unless there are many teeth to be pulled. Depending on how quickly a patient’s mouth heals, a person has the second appointment from six to ten weeks after the posts are implanted. If you are getting the surgical procedure and the crown in the same place, as you are at Sky Dental, this reduces the number of times you may need to go to the dentist.
What is the Process for Dental Implants?
While the procedure is highly technical, getting implants is faster than many people realize. This is due to scientific advancements as well as the skill of a dentist like Dr. Connell. We encourage you to check our reviews to learn more about our office and staff.
1. Tooth Removal, if Needed
Removing the damaged and/or diseased tooth is a first step for some patients. Our office seeks to make this procedure as pain-free as possible.
2. In-office deep cleaning.
For best results, the implant site and surrounding area must be as clean as possible. This often requires a routine in-office cleaning or a deep clean (also known as a scaling and root planning).
3. Tooth shaping, if necessary.
Oftentimes, the teeth on either side of the implant site may need to be lightly shaped and filed to provide the best support for the implant.
4. Post Insertion.
Before the new tooth can be added, oral surgery is needed to affix a post to the jaw bone. The post is very small and becomes a permanent part of the patient’s mouth. This step requires the skills of a highly qualified Phoenix dentist, such as Dr. Scott Connell at Sky Dental.
5. Temporary Tooth
A temporary tooth is placed on the titanium post for comfort. Your Phoenix dentist will explain proper care for your temporary tooth until the mouth has healed and is ready for permanent tooth replacements.
6. Healing Time
Healing times vary from patient to patient. It can take up to 12 weeks. A patient may speed up healing time by practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding acidic foods. Smoking greatly slows down recovery times and should be avoided as a general rule.
7. The New Tooth
At the final placement appointment, your dentist will affix a new tooth. Made of tough material, the artificial tooth should look just like your real ones, and it can last for many years to come.
Are Dental Implants Forever Teeth?
Just like natural teeth, these replacement teeth can be damaged (although that’s very tough to do). Fortunately, titanium posts are nearly indestructible. Should the replacement tooth get damaged in the future, another one can be placed on the permanent post. That's good news for your smile!
If you are wondering what the tooth material will look or feel like, you only need to picture a crown. It will be similar to the ones you may already have covering a tooth. There is nothing to give away the fact that it isn't actually a tooth. Furthermore, it is unlikely to break.
However, you should warn your dentist if you suffer from grinding or gritting your teeth. You may be aware of this because you have been told you have TMJ, a common jaw ailment. At any rate, you'll want to wear a nightguard to prevent putting pressure on your crown. This is no different than protecting real teeth, but you definitely don't want the pressure from gritting or grinding to hurt your implants.
How Do You Take Care of Implants?
For best results, the new 'forever teeth' do require good dental hygiene, both at home and during regular in-office cleanings. They aren’t a “get it and forget it” option. Caring for implants requires proper brushing and flossing, but you'll be doing that anyway for the surrounding teeth. An implant, whether one or many, also requires professional cleanings just like the rest of your teeth to keep the surrounding bone and gum tissue healthy.
Our patients who have switched from dentures to implants assure us that it is much easier to care for implants than it is to soak dentures every night. It's also nice not to worry about how dentures fit your jaw.
The Final Verdict on Implant Procedures
Let's review why an implant is such a valuable choice for today's dental patient. Here are the top reasons why people should choose them and why people are choosing them today. Comparing cost to value, each implant is a better investment than a partial or denture.
- Retain and grow tissue and bone.
- Retain the shape of the jaw.
- Maintain the look of the face.
- Easy to maintain with regular brushing, unlike dentures which require daily care.
- Reduce the chance of embarrassment, unlike dentures which can slip.
- Improve self-esteem along with a person's smile.
- Last longer than dentures and are potentially permanent, lasting the rest of a person's life.
- Look like and act like the real thing every minute of the day.
Trust Sky Dental for Dental Implants
Perfect teeth that act just like your own can make a big difference in your quality of life. Request an appointment to learn if this option is right for you. Our staff is happy to provide you with more information. You can choose the location nearest your home or work and benefit from the expert services of our excellent dentists.