Losing teeth as a child can be fun and exciting, but when you lose teeth as an adult, whether through an accident or injury or due to decay, there’s no tooth fairy and no natural replacement. Advancement in dentistry has given people many different options, from dentures to dental implants. Today, we’re taking a closer look at dental implants and the surgical procedure to place them.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. A dental implant surgeon places them and, with proper care, a crown can last 20 years or more. The implant itself will last a lifetime. The dental implant consists of a titanium screw to mimic the root of a natural tooth and a ceramic crown. The dental lab individually molds the crown to give the look and feel of a natural tooth. Unlike dentures or a dental bridge that sit on top of the gum, dental implants screw into the jaw itself.

The roots of your teeth stimulate the jaw bone to maintain its thickness and integrity, and thereby reduce bone erosion. When you lose a tooth, the jaw bone can start to thin over time, leading to serious health complications. Your other teeth will begin to shift, too, causing them to misalign and affect your bite. While dental bridges and dentures allow you to speak and chew more normally, they can’t maintain the integrity of your jawbone. This is because they sit on top of the gums and don’t touch the jawbone itself.

Many people prefer dental implants to dentures because implants are easier to clean just like natural teeth. Plus, implants have a more natural look and feel, and allow you to eat all the foods you normally would, including chewy, sticky, or tougher food.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are a two-step procedure, with a four to six-week healing time in between the steps. First, the dental implant surgeon, like Dr. Trujillo, makes an incision in the gum to reveal the jawbone. He drills a small hole into the bone and inserts the titanium root. Dental implant surgeons use this metal because it’s light, durable, and biocompatible with the human body, meaning it’s safe to use for surgery. The top of the root sticks out a bit above the gum, and Dr. Trujillo sutures the incision.

Your oral surgeon crafts a crown designed to fit snugly in between your remaining teeth. The dental lab individually created the crown from either a composite resin or porcelain. They shape the crown to match the contours of the tooth it’s replacing and color match it to your other teeth as well. In fact, when done correctly, a dental implant is virtually indistinguishable from the other teeth. You’ll be able to eat and speak like usual once you recover and brush and floss around the implant like normal.

However, for some people, a bone graft is necessary before the dental surgeon can place the dental implant.

What is a Bone Graft For Dental Implants?

If it’s been a few years since you’ve lost your tooth, then the jaw bone may begin to thin due to the lack of stimulation from the tooth root. In these cases, the bone is too thin for the dental implant to fit correctly and won’t support the artificial root. Your oral surgeon will conduct an X-ray to determine the thickness of the bone. If you need a bone graft, they’ll usually take a small amount of your own bone and carefully shape it to fit the area. The oral surgeon makes an incision into the gum and inserts a bone fragment on top of your jaw.

The bone fragment will fuse with the jawbone, making it thicker. This process takes several weeks, and your oral surgeon will monitor your progress before placing the implant.

What Is the Recovery Like?

The healing time varies by individual, but you can expect pain and swelling after the first phase. Take care to protect the sutures when eating and drinking, and follow the aftercare instructions from your dentist. It takes about four to six weeks for the incision to heal enough to place the crown. The second phase of the implant process typically takes about a week to recover from.

If you notice redness and swelling that doesn’t go away, or if the area becomes puffy or inflamed, see your dental implant surgeon, Dr. Trujillo, immediately. If the jaw pain increases or you start running a fever, it can be a sign of infection, which should be treated promptly.

Am I a Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

The best candidates for any type of dental surgery are people in good overall health who don’t use tobacco and limit their alcohol intake. Both alcohol and tobacco, whether you smoke cigarettes, chew dip, or vape, can slow the healing process and increase your chances of complications after surgery.

If you’ve just recently lost a tooth, you’re a good candidate for the dental implant. The surrounding teeth won’t have had time to move, and it’s unlikely that you’ll need a bone graft.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

At Arizona Periodontal Group, we’re experts in dental surgery, including placing dental implants. If you have lost a tooth because of decay or from an injury, we can help! Enjoy the look and feel of a natural tooth with a permanent dental implant. Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online for your personalized consultation today.

Dental Implant FAQs

How much is your smile worth to you? 

When it comes to the cost of dental implants, some people feel like they have to decide between their smile and their bank account. For those without dental insurance, the decision becomes even more challenging. Is self-esteem worth the cost of dental work? 

For many people, it is. Dental implants have the ability to transform your smile and your life. But how much do they cost, exactly, and what are the options? 

Affordable dental implants can be a reality. If you have questions about the cost of dental implants, read these FAQs to have your questions answered.

What Are Dental Implants?

If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant is one way to replace it. Implants are different from dentures as they are surgically implanted. 

Normally, your tooth is connected to your jaw with a root. If you’ve ever had a root canal, you’re aware of this part of the dental anatomy. In the case of an implant, your periodontist will replace the root with a mental post. 

The metal root allows a realistic artificial tooth to attach to your mouth. Unlike bridges or dentures, the tooth will be more or less permanently in place. You will take care of any artificial teeth just as you would take care of the natural teeth in your mouth. 

If you lost an arm, you’d get fitted for an arm prosthesis. A dental implant is like a prosthesis for your mouth. Your implanted tooth will do everything your natural teeth can do, and nobody will be able to tell that it isn’t natural. 

For many individuals, a dental implant builds self-confidence and improves self-esteem. Individuals with dental implants smile more. If you are missing teeth for any reason, a dental implant from Arizona Periodontal Group’s qualified professionals will significantly improve your quality of life. 

What Are the Cheapest Dental Implants?

When it comes to your oral health, it can feel strange to wonder about the “cheapest,” option. After all, we use our teeth every single day. The price of dental implants can seem like a barrier for some individuals, however, so it’s good to know your options. 

It’s important to remember that an implant is like an investment in your long-term oral health. Your jaw shape will change as you age. Implants can ensure that you will not lose other teeth as you go through these changes over time. 

The cost of implants will vary based on your individual needs. A full set of implants will cost more than replacing an individual tooth. If your implant requires a bone graft, it will also cost more. 

The most affordable implant would be an individual implant that does not utilize any custom components. If our periodontist or oral surgeon can use on-hand stock components, your implant will be less expensive than an implant requiring custom-made posts or crowns. 

If you have dental insurance, it may cover part of the cost of your procedure. 

As every case is unique, it’s important to get a consultation from a qualified oral surgeon, like Dr. Trujillo. He can advise you about the specific costs involved in your individual case. 

What Can I Do If I Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

Are you open to financing? Arizona Periodontal Group offers payment plans that can help make the cost of your dental implant procedure more manageable. Implants can have a long-term impact on your health, and payment plans allow our periodontists and surgeons to help more individuals. 

Flexible spending or health savings accounts can also be helpful ways to pay for your dental implants. If not, you might consider spacing out your procedures to make surgery more affordable. No matter what you decide, your team at Arizona Periodontal Group will work with you to find an affordable solution. 

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Dental Implants?

Both dental bridges and dentures are options that can help replace teeth. Unlike implants, these options are not permanent and will require more maintenance. They are less expensive because they do not require surgery.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge uses your existing teeth to anchor an artificial tooth in your mouth. If that is not possible, bridges might be bonded to your mouth using resin. A bridge is not removable but may need to be replaced over time. 

Full or Partial Dentures

If you have lost all of your teeth, you may opt for full dentures. Individuals who have lost fewer teeth might opt for partial dentures. 

Dentures are removable replacement teeth attached to an artificial gum that can be placed in the mouth. Like your dental bridge, your dentures may require maintenance or replacement over time. 

How Much Should Dental Implants Cost in 2021?

The exact cost of your procedure will always depend on your individual oral health situation. Your individual procedure may be more or less expensive depending on the materials used. On average, a single dental implant might cost between $1,500 and $3,000 in the year 2021, plus the cost of surgery. 

Multiple dental implants will increase the price. If you require a full mouth of dental implants, the price will vary greatly depending on your needs. Your best bet is to consult with our periodontist to discuss the cost of your individual procedure. 

Remember that Arizona Periodontal Group offers flexible payment plans that can make your procedure considerably more affordable. We will come up with a plan that works for your situation. Do not let cost stand between you and a confident new smile. 

Get Affordable Dental Implants From Arizona Periodontal Group 

If you have missing teeth, a dental implant is an attractive, permanent solution. Although every individual’s situation is different, affordable dental implants are possible. Your smile is worth the cost!

If you would like more information on the cost of your individual procedure, start with a consultation. The periodontal specialists at Arizona Periodontal Group are here to help. Request an appointment today to learn more about your options for tooth replacement in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Dental implants are ideal for patients who have one or more missing teeth. Recent studies reveal that there about 5 million implant procedures done by dentists in the United States annually. Some situations may require additional treatments before an implant can be placed. One such recommended treatment is a sinus lift. In this post we will focus on when a sinus lift is appropriate and its benefits.

What Is a Sinus Lift/Sinus Augmentation?

A person undergoes a sinus lift when they need dental implants but do not have enough jaw bone to secure the implants due to bone loss. The surgery increases the volume of bone by adding bone to the space between the molars and premolars. During the procedure, the sinus membrane is moved upward to make room for the bone.

Why You May Need a Sinus Lift

There are a few reasons why someone may need a sinus lift. Some of these reasons include the following.

If Your Maxillary Sinus Is Too Close

Before you get implants in your upper jaw, you need adequate bone density. A maxillary sinus that is too close to the upper jaw increases the risk of implant penetration. To avoid such risks, a sinus lift surgery adds to and reinforces the bone so the implant can set securely.

Tooth Loss

Your teeth do more than chew your food, they also support your jaw bone. Losing a tooth can lead to bone deterioration over time. If you lost a tooth a long time ago, the thickness of bone between the sinus could have changed. In such a scenario, you may need a sinus lift to increase bone mass before a dental implant is set.

Untreated Tooth Decay

If you have tooth decay that goes untreated, the decay could spread to the bone. This decay ultimately weakens the bone and makes it unsuitable for an implant. This is another scenario where a sinus lift will provide adequate reinforcement before placing an implant.

Periodontal Disease

Patients who suffer from periodontal disease may need a sinus lift before an implant. According to the CDC, 47.2 percent of adults aged 30 years and older in the USA live with periodontal disease. The condition typically affects the jaws leading to an extensive amount of bone loss.

What Happens Before, During, and After a Sinus Lift?

Before a Sinus Lift

A sinus lift involves transferring a bone to your upper jaw. The first step in the procedure is to determine the source of the bone for the surgery. Some of the common types of bone used in sinus augmentation include:

• An autogenous bone usually taken from an area of your mouth
• A synthetic bone-like material

Once the bone source is identified, Dr. Trujillo will study your jaw and sinus anatomy to establish its condition. Accurate measurements are also taken to determine the width and height of your existing bone. X-rays or computed tomography scans will allow Dr. Trujillo to assess your overall jaw health and other vital skull structures.

During the Procedure

There are several approaches to sinus lift surgery. The right technique for you depends on several factors, including the type of bone graft and how much bone you currently have in your jaw. Some of the basic steps include:

• Receiving intravenous or oral sedatives to numb the area and keep you as comfortable as possible during the procedure
• Incisions on the back parts of your gum tissue to expose the bone
• Cut a small area of the bone while taking necessary precautions not to cut the sinus membranes
• Lift the cut portion of the bone up into the sinus cavity to raise the membrane
• Apply bone graft materials on the lifted area before applying sutures to close the incisions in your gums

After the Surgery

Following the procedure, the dental specialist will provide instructions that guide your recovery. You may experience some side effects, including swelling and bleeding. However, this discomfort rarely lasts a few days. For a quick and successful recovery, your doctor may recommend that you:

• Don’t smoke as this impairs your healing time
• Avoid brushing teeth for a specific time to prevent dislodging clots
• Avoid vigorous blowing of nose and sneezing
• Do not use a straw as this may dislodge clots
• Take antibiotics to prevent infections
• Take pain relievers to relieve discomfort

Usually, you need a checkup one week after the procedure. During this appointment, the Dr. Trujillo will examine the surgical site and remove any stitches that have not dissolved on their own. However, if you experience any pain that keeps worsening or have uncontrollable bleeding, don’t wait. Call Dr. Trujillo right away.

How Long Does It Take for a Sinus Lift to Heal Completely?

Full recovery after a sinus lift surgery takes a minimum of 6 months. During this time the sinus will heal and the bone will become strong enough for a dental implant. Although this process seems slow, remember the benefits last a lifetime.

How Much Does a Sinus Lift Cost?

The average cost of a sinus augmentation can be between $1500 and $5000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. If the bone graft material is large, the cost is typically higher. It is important to work with a thorough and qualified expert, like Dr. Trujillo to get the most out of your investment.

Are There Risks with Sinus Lift Surgery?

With all surgery comes certain risks. A procedure performed by a qualified and experienced periodontal surgeon decreases the amount of risks. The most significant risk of this surgery is the possibility of piercing or tearing the sinus membrane. However, should this happen, it will be immediately repaired. Another risk is a sinus infection. However, with the proper medication, this is easily preventable.

Contact the Right Periodontal Surgeon

If you have questions about a sinus lift, our highly experienced periodontal surgical team can answer your questions. We can guide you through every step and ensure you get the smile you have always wanted. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.