Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants

Patients can enjoy a more comfortable and functional bite after losing teeth with dental implants. Implants act as artificial roots to anchor permanent teeth replacements. Dental implants can be a great option to restore your smile if you are missing one or more teeth or need to have one extracted.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer a tooth replacement option that closely imitates natural teeth, making them a very effective long-term solution. Desert Bloom Dentistry in Safford offers dental implants, serving Safford and surrounding areas. Call our team at (928) 428-1617 to learn more about this service and schedule an appointment.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants can be a good choice for many patients with missing teeth. Dental implants allow new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally. Here are some key benefits of dental implants:

• Comfortable: Dental implants act as tooth roots and stay firmly in place. This firm foundation makes them more comfortable than dentures and other replacement tooth options. Many patients report that implants feel similar to their natural teeth.
• Functional: The stability of implants makes them effective for eating, talking, and cleaning. They function similarly to the teeth they are replacing. Less permanent options may interfere more with daily life.
• Permanent: Dental implants are one of the most permanent tooth replacement options. They can last a lifetime with good care. Additionally, fixed replacement teeth on implants do not need to be removed every day for cleaning.
• Natural-looking: Implant-supported replacement teeth look like natural teeth. The visible part of the dental implant is a cosmetic crown made from a composite material that is color-matched to the patient’s tooth enamel. It can be hard to tell the difference. Many patients enjoy dental implants’ aesthetic appeal, as others cannot tell the difference between the replacement and natural teeth.

Dental implants allow new teeth to feel, look, and function naturally.

Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most healthy individuals are good candidates for dental implants. However, a consultation with our dentist is necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Patients with weak jawbones may require a bone graft to support the implant.

Reasons for Dental Implants

Dental implants are recommended for:

• Missing Teeth: Ideal for individuals with one or more missing teeth.
• Tooth Extraction: If a tooth must be extracted, an implant can replace it.
• Enhancing Aesthetics: For those looking to improve their smile’s appearance.
• Stability: Dental implants offer superior stability over other tooth replacement options like dentures.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants, including:

• Endosteal Implants: Placed directly into the jawbone, ideal for most patients.
• Subperiosteal Implants: Positioned on top of the jawbone and suitable for patients with insufficient bone height.
• Zygomatic Implants: Used when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw; these implants are anchored in the cheekbone.

The Dental Implant Process

Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots to support new replacement teeth. During the procedure, an incision is made in the patient’s gum to expose the bone where the implant will be placed. We will then insert the implant and suture the gum around the implant post. In some cases, a temporary denture is used instead of replacement teeth.

Following the surgery, the bone needs to heal around the dental implant. This process can take several weeks or months. Once it is sufficiently strong, a dentist can fit the permanent replacement teeth. According to the Mayo Clinic, some extra steps may be necessary. For patients with weak jawbones, a bone graft may be needed to ensure sufficient strength. After the bone has healed, an abutment connects a crown or dentures to the dental implant.

Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots to support new replacement teeth.

How To Care for Dental Implants

Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth, especially if the replacement teeth are permanent. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are necessary for maintaining proper oral hygiene with implants. Getting regular checkups and teeth cleanings at the dentist is important for taking care of replacement teeth.

Dental implants may require extra cleaning to keep them in optimal condition. Removable, implant-supported dentures should be taken out at night and soaked in a denture solution. Patients can also use an oral irrigator to help clean below and around the dental implants.

Caring for dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth, especially if the replacement teeth are permanent.

What To Expect After the Procedure

Following the procedure, it is common to have swelling and discomfort around the implantation site. Some patients may experience minor bleeding and bruising of the skin and gums in the treatment area. These side effects can be managed with pain medication and antibiotics if necessary. Patients can expect such side effects to subside after a few days.

After receiving dental implants, it is best to stick to eating soft foods while the bone heals. Most dental implant procedures use dissolvable stitches, so patients will not have to come back to get them removed. These stitches will usually fall out within seven to 10 days. Following the aftercare instructions and advice will help the healing process.

Following the procedure, it is common to have swelling and discomfort around the implantation site.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting Desert Bloom Dentistry, you can receive professional treatment tailored to your needs. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen; let us help you achieve the smile you deserve with our top-quality dental implant services.

Dental Implant Terminology

• Abutment: A connector attached to the implant, used to hold and support a dental crown.
• Bridge: A dental restoration used to replace multiple missing teeth by bridging the gap between two teeth or implants.
• Dental Crown: An artificial tooth placed on top of an implant to restore function and appearance.
• Endosteal (Endosseous): The most common type of dental implant placed directly into the jawbone.
• Eposteal (Subperiosteal): A type of implant placed on top of the jawbone, under the gum tissue.
• Implant-Supported Bridge: A bridge supported by dental implants, used to replace multiple teeth.
• Osseointegration: The process where the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the crown.
• Periodontal: Refers to the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, such as gums and bone.
• Resorption: The process where the body absorbs calcium from the jawbone when there are no tooth roots to stimulate the bone.
• Transosteal (Transosseous): A less common type of dental implant that penetrates the entire jawbone.

Call Us Today

If you have a chipped tooth, need a dental implant, or require any other dental services, don't panic. Our team at Desert Bloom Dentistry is here to help restore your smile’s function and appearance. Call us today at 928-428-1617 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implants?

A. According to WebMD, most healthy people are good candidates for dental implants. However, weak or unsubstantial jawbone mass may limit whether a patient can receive implants. Restorative procedures like bone grafting can overcome this issue in some cases. A dentist can determine whether a patient is a candidate during an exam and consultation.

Q. What is the success rate of dental implants?

A. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental implants have a success rate of up to 97%. Furthermore, they can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants are one of the most permanent solutions for missing teeth.

Q. How much do dental implants cost?

A. The cost of dental implants will vary depending on the patient’s needs, bone quantity, and the treatment area. Dental implants may qualify for some insurance coverage, but situations will vary. People interested in receiving this procedure should contact their insurance provider and receive a consultation to learn more about the cost.

Q. Are dental implants removable?

A. The dental implant is permanent. The replacement teeth that sit on them can be fixed or removable. Fixed dentures are the preferred option for many patients due to their stability and comfort.

Q. Do I need full dentures to get implants?

A. No, implants may support one or more replacement teeth. Some patients receive partial dentures with multiple teeth, while others receive a full arch of teeth. Dental implants are a flexible solution for each patient’s needs.

Q6. How long is the recovery time after getting dental implants?
A. Recovery times vary but generally range from a few days to several months, depending on the need for bone grafts and other factors.

Q7. What are the risks associated with dental implants?
A. Dental implants are generally safe, but like any surgery, they carry risks such as infection, nerve damage, or implant failure.

Q8. How do I care for my dental implants?
A. Care for dental implants as you would natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2021
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2021
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2021

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