What are dental implants?

Significantly stronger than bridges or dentures, a dental implant offers a single and permanent solution to a lost tooth. The implant is integrated into your jaw with a small titanium screw which, over the course of several months, naturally bonds with your mouth. This procedure is relatively simple and is effective in almost all cases, so there' s no need to put off restoring that great smile. Implants don' t involve the adjacent teeth and therefore are a more conservative option for replacing missing teeth.


What are dental implants used for?

An implant replaces the missing root of a tooth and provides an option for patients who do not want a bridge or partial denture (false teeth).


How long does an implant last?

Once intergrated into the mouth, a dental implant can far out lost natural teeth. Dental implants should be checked at each recall/cleaning appointment. The success of your implants greatly depend on how well you are able maintain them. They will need to be professionally cleaned and examined by your dentist every four to six months. If a hygienist is performing your cleaning, they should be trained in the specific procedure of maintaining dental implants. Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely necessary for long-term success just as with natural teeth.


How are dental implants placed?

To be a candidate for an implant you should have a thorough exam and health history to evaluate the basic requirements of bone present, sinus location and nerve location. A patient would need a minimum of 4 appointments to complete an implant. The first appointment would be for the placement of the implant by use of numbing the area. Most patients are suprised that just local anesthetic is needed for the treatment. The second appointment would come months later. The time it takes for an implant to become integrated (become solidified in bone) can depend on the location and the patient' s healing time. In the top jaw the normal integration time is approximately 4 months and for the bottom jaw the normal time is 3 months. The third appointment is for an x-ray to verify the implant has integrated in the bone and for placement of a healing abutment (the part of the treatment that will help define your gums and make your crown look natural). The final appointment is the making and placement of crown. With today' s technology and a properly equipped office, like the Arizona Center for Laser Dentistry, you can have an implant crown made in one day with CEREC One Day all porcelain crowns.