Understanding the Step-by-Step Dental Implant Procedure and the Benefits

Do you have missing teeth? Complete your smile with dental implants offered at Shine Dental Arts in Phoenix, Arizona. Dental implants placed by Drs. Vanessa and Anthony Quihuis present a functional, solid, and life-looking solution for missing teeth. 

What is a dental implant?

It’s an artificial dental appliance that replaces your entire tooth from the root up. The typical dental implant system consists of three components—an implant, a crown, and an abutment. The implant itself is a titanium screw surgically inserted in the jawbone in the area where the lost tooth was previously seated. An implant fuses biologically with the jawbone to form one biological structure. 

Since the implant remains buried in the gum line, we give it height by attaching a small metal connector called an abutment. An abutment also absorbs and distributes the chewing forces from your prosthetic to the implant and surrounding bone. This explains why implants halt jawbone bone loss; they offer functional stimulation like natural teeth.

The final component of a dental implant can be a crown, bridge, or denture. The choice of implant restoration depends on your preferences and the number of teeth lost. 

What should I expect from the dental implant procedure? 

Dental implants are an investment in your time and resources, so it’s natural to ask what to expect from the procedure. Although the dental implant treatment takes months, it’s worth the wait because you get something close to your natural teeth. 

Your typical dental implant treatment involves:

• An initial examination to examine your oral health and bone quality with digital X-rays, photographs, and other diagnostic tools
• Bone grafting and tooth extraction, where necessary
• Implant surgery using precise tools and skills
• Leaving the implant for four to six months to allow it to fuse with the jawbone
• After healing, the dentist attaches an abutment to your implant and takes your bite impressions
• Restoring your tooth with a crown or other restoration

Dental crowns offer life-changing benefits, improving oral function, confidence, and quality of life. Don’t put off perfecting your smile any longer. Dental implants can give you a new lease on life, and you can start enjoying the little things you love once more. 

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are incredibly durable. When placed with the right expertise and maintained with the proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Given their permanence, dental implants are cost-effective in the long run despite their high initial cost. 

Other benefits you reap with dental implants include:

• Versatility to replace one, several, or all missing teeth
• Renewed confidence
• Natural feel and appearance
• Remarkable stability when eating, smiling, or talking
• Undisrupted oral hygiene
• Reduced bone loss 

Am I suited for dental implants?

Are you ready to get your smile and life back? Consider dental implants from Shine Dental Arts. Call (480) 893-3072 to determine if dental implants are right for you. 

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