Dental Implants in Phoenix, AZ: Restore Your Smile
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small, titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. The implant acts as an anchor for a replacement tooth, which can be a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are more comfortable and natural-looking than dentures, and they can help to improve your overall oral health.
Patient Review of Dental Implants by Dr. Trujillo
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits of dental implants over other tooth replacement options. Let’s look at three important benefits.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that is accepted by the body. This means that they will not reject or cause any allergic reactions. The crown that is placed on top of the implant is made of porcelain or ceramic, which matches the color of your natural teeth.
Comfortable
Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, which provides support and stability. This makes them more comfortable than dentures, which can slip and move around.
Low-Maintenance
Dental implants require little maintenance. You can brush and floss them just like your natural teeth. You may need to visit your dentist for regular check-ups, but you will not need to have them removed or replaced as often as dentures.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants can help to improve your overall oral health by preventing bone loss and gum disease. When you lose teeth, the jawbone can start to deteriorate. Dental implants can help to stimulate the bone and prevent this from happening.
Increased Self-Confidence
Having missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and insecure. Dental implants can help to restore your smile and give you back your confidence.
If you are missing teeth, talk to Dr. Trujillo about dental implants. They may be the right solution for you.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
- Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are placed in the jawbone and act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. The implant is made of titanium, which is a strong and biocompatible metal. The body’s bone grows around the implant, which helps to keep it in place.
- Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue, but on top of the jawbone. They are held in place by screws that are attached to the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are not as common as endosteal implants, but they may be a good option for people who do not have enough bone in their jaw to support endosteal implants.
There are also a number of different types of crowns, bridges, and dentures that can be used with dental implants. The type of restoration that is best for you will depend on the number of teeth that you are missing, the location of the missing teeth, and your overall oral health.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dental implants are an excellent solution for missing teeth, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions can impact the success of the procedure, so it’s important to have a consultation with Dr. Tujillo to determine if implants are the right choice for you.
During your consultation, Dr. Tujillo will carefully examine your gums and bone health to assess your candidacy for dental implants. He will also discuss your overall health and any other factors that could affect the procedure’s outcome.
If you are a good candidate, Dr. Tujillo will discuss the procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you have. He will also provide you with a treatment plan and estimate the cost of the procedure.
It’s important to note that dental implants require a strong commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene. If you are not willing to brush and floss regularly, implants may not be the right choice for you.
Dr. Tujillo and his team are committed to providing you with the best possible care. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and ensures the long-term success of your dental implants.
The Procedure
During your visit, we will evaluate your dental and medical health in a comprehensive way. We will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and potentially recommend a CT scan to assess the strength and shape of your jawbone and the location of nerves and sinuses. This information will allow us to create a customized prosthesis that fits comfortably and looks natural. Once we’ve completed the implant process, we’ll ensure that your bite is perfectly aligned and that your smile looks natural.
The treatment process typically includes these steps:
Preparation
- Dr. Trujillo will prescribe medications such as antibiotics and/or pain relievers to begin taking prior to the surgery.
- If you are requesting oral or intravenous sedation, you will need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
Surgery
- Dr. Trujillo will numb the area where the dental implant will be placed.
- A small opening is made in the gum tissue, revealing the bone.
- A socket is created using special instruments.
- The titanium post is placed into the socket.
- The placement site is sutured closed.
Healing
- It takes several months for the bone to heal around the implant.
- During this time, you will need to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the implant was placed.
Crown placement
- Once the bone has healed, Dr. Trujillo will place a crown on the implant.
- The crown will look and function just like a natural tooth.
Aftercare
Following your dental implant procedure, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. The healing process for a standard tooth replacement typically takes two to four months, during which time the titanium post fuses with your bone to serve as the new artificial root for your replacement tooth.
Here are some of the things you can expect during your healing process:
- You may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- You will need to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the implant was placed for several weeks.
- You will need to brush and floss your teeth carefully, and you may need to use a special mouthwash to help prevent infection.
- You will need to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your healing progress.
By following your dentist’s aftercare instructions, you can help ensure a successful outcome for your dental implant procedure.
Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and the complexity of the procedure. In general, the cost of a single implant ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The cost of multiple implants will be higher, and the cost of more complex procedures, such as those involving bone grafting, will be even higher.
While dental implants can be a more expensive option than other tooth replacement methods, they offer a number of advantages, including:
- Longevity: Dental implants can last a lifetime, while other tooth replacement methods, such as dentures and bridges, typically need to be replaced every few years.
- Natural appearance: Dental implants look and function just like natural teeth.
- Comfort: Dental implants are very comfortable to wear and do not require any special care or maintenance.
If you are considering dental implants, it is important to talk to Dr. Trujillo about the cost and benefits of the procedure. He can help you create a payment plan that fits your budget and make sure that dental implants are the right choice for you.
Here are some additional things to consider when thinking about the cost of dental implants:
- Dental insurance: Some dental insurance plans cover the cost of dental implants, but the coverage varies from plan to plan. It is important to check with your insurance company to see how much of the cost of dental implants will be covered.
- Payment plans: Many dentists offer payment plans for dental implants. This can make it easier to afford the procedure.
- Financing options: There are a number of financing options available for dental implants. These options can help you spread out the cost of the procedure over time.
If you are missing teeth, talk to Dr. Trujillo about dental implants. He can help you determine if dental implants are the right choice for you and answer any questions you have about the procedure.
Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Trujillo at Arizona Periodontal Group in Phoenix, AZ. Bring your questions about dental implants.
We look forward to seeing you.
Risks Involved with Dental Implants
The risks of getting dental implants are rare, but they can include:
- Infection: Infection is a risk with any type of surgery, and it is the most common complication associated with dental implants. Infection can occur at the surgical site or in the bone surrounding the implant.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage is a rare complication of dental implant surgery. It can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the face, lips, or tongue.
- Dental implant failure: Dental implant failure is also rare. It can occur if the implant does not osseointegrate, which means that the bone does not grow around the implant. Dental implant failure can also occur if the implant is not properly cared for.
- Other complications: Other possible complications of dental implant surgery include bleeding, pain, swelling, and bruising.
It is important to talk to Dr. Trujillo about the risks of dental implants before you decide if they are right for you.